An endocrinologist in Gombe, Dr. Ayuba Mugana, has warned that smokers and people with cholesterol-related health problems are at a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes, a chronic metabolic condition, according to an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday.
The expert’s remarks underscore growing public health concerns amidst changing lifestyle patterns among Nigerians.
Diabetes, which occurs when the body’s blood sugar (glucose) levels remain elevated, can cause serious health complications including cardiovascular disease, nerve damage and kidney failure if not managed effectively.
Dr. Mugana explained that cigarette smoking disrupts insulin function and causes inflammation, impairing the body’s ability to regulate glucose and increasing vulnerability to the disease.
“Smoking disrupts insulin function and causes inflammation,” Dr. Mugana said, emphasising that insulin is a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar and enabling cells to absorb glucose for energy.
He stressed that diabetes is not solely caused by heredity or high blood pressure, noting that smoking and elevated cholesterol are significant risk factors.
The endocrinologist also debunked common misconceptions about dietary choices, particularly the belief that consumption of broiler chickens is unhealthy for people living with diabetes, saying that protein remains important and advising moderation.
He noted that broilers may contain higher fat due to feeding and restricted movement, but that removing the skin can reduce fat intake.
Dr. Mugana highlighted that recent health facility data indicate a rising incidence of diabetes among youths, cautioning younger Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles early. He explained that diabetes often develops gradually over 10 to 15 years, beginning with a state of insulin resistance before full-blown disease manifests.
Medical research supports the link between smoking and diabetes. Studies show that active smokers have a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with non-smokers, with mechanisms involving impaired insulin sensitivity and systemic inflammation that contribute to glucose intolerance.
Health experts note that smoking also exacerbates other metabolic and cardiovascular risks, reinforcing the need for public health interventions that reduce tobacco use and promote healthier behaviours such as balanced diets, regular physical activity and avoidance of tobacco products.
Dr. Mugana’s warning serves as a timely reminder of the broader implications of smoking on non-communicable diseases, as Nigeria and the global community seek to curb the growing burden of diabetes through preventive care and lifestyle modification.
