Tobacco Facts
Tobacco can lead to disease and disability and harms nearly every organ of the body over time. Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.
More than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by tobacco, according to the CDC. Such issues can be caused by cigarette smoking, chewable tobacco and smokeless tobacco products. For every person who dies because of smoking, at least 30 people live with a serious smoking-related illness, the CDC says.
Tobacco, including cigarette smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also increases risk for tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Secondhand smoke exposure contributes to approximately 41,000 deaths among nonsmoking adults and 400 deaths in infants each year, according to the American Cancer Society. Secondhand smoke causes stroke, lung cancer, and coronary heart disease in adults. Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, middle ear disease, more severe asthma, respiratory symptoms, and slowed lung growth.
Smokeless Tobacco: Some consumers may be misinformed about the impact of smokeless tobacco on their health. Just like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco contains nicotine, which is highly addictive. Because young people who use smokeless tobacco can become addicted to nicotine, they may be more likely to also become cigarette smokers.
Additionally, according to the CDC:
- Many smokeless tobacco products contain cancer-causing chemicals.
- Smokeless tobacco causes cancer of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas.
- Smokeless tobacco can cause white or gray patches inside the mouth (leukoplakia) that can lead to cancer.
- Smokeless tobacco can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
- There is an increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
Your Advantage provider can provide patients with guidance and resources to quit smoking and tobacco altogether. Make an appointment today by calling 313-416-6262 for a physical and discuss your options for getting healthier!
Diabetes Facts
There are two types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes: This occurs when a person’s body is unable to produce insulin, the hormone that “unlocks” the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. It is estimated that 5 percent of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes: This more common type of diabetes occurs when insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin) is combined with relative insulin deficiency. In adults, type 2 diabetes accounts for about 95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.
Symptoms of Diabetes: Diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability and blurry vision. Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing complications.
Complications of Diabetes: Even without serious complications, diabetes has the potential of significantly impacting a person’s diet, habits, need for regular checkups and more. Serious complications can include:
- Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
- Leading cause of kidney failure
- Nervous system disease and nontraumatic lower-limb amputations
If you are concerned that you may have diabetes or have any symptoms, contact your provider at Advantage or set a new appointment by calling 313-416-6262.