Recent studies suggest the possibility that smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes (or vapes) could be related to a higher likelihood of developing prediabetes. Prediabetes means that blood sugar levels are higher than average and occurs before type 2 diabetes mellitus develops. Sulakshan Neupane, a health economist at the University of Georgia, conducted a study with 1.2 million data points collected by phone in a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States.
The data hinted that, despite electronic cigarettes (vapes) being marketed as a healthier option, the results indicated that there might be a relationship between their use and the onset of diabetes. The study highlighted the differences in probability between traditional tobacco smokers and non-smokers. However, the study has numerous limitations. It has not been possible to determine with certainty that there is a relationship between vaping and prediabetes, as other factors such as alcohol consumption, overweight, and obesity have come into play.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a medical term that refers to a blood glucose level that is above average values but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes mellitus. Unlike type 2 diabetes, prediabetes is reversible, meaning it can be treated and may even disappear. However, damage to the kidneys, heart, and nerves may already have occurred, so the consequences go beyond blood glucose levels.
Study Linking Vaping to Prediabetes
Sulakshan Neupane, a health economist at the University of Georgia, decided to conduct a study to shed some light on the possible relationship between the use of electronic cigarettes and traditional tobacco with the onset of prediabetes. To do this, he analyzed more than 1.2 million data points obtained through surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. Through this study, they aimed to find relevant data linking the use of vapes, alone or in combination with traditional tobacco, to the development of prediabetes.
What data did they obtain from this study?
If we compare respondents who only use electronic cigarettes with traditional tobacco smokers, the data reveals that the former were 7% more likely to have prediabetes than non-smokers, while those who only smoked traditional nicotine products had a 15% higher likelihood. However, those who combined traditional tobacco with vaping had a 28% higher risk than non-smokers. According to Neupane, “The use of electronic cigarettes alone increases the likelihood of developing prediabetes, and dual use carries an additional risk. This study highlights the harm that can result from using both types of products”.
Risk of developing full-blown diabetes
Additionally, the data revealed that those users referred to as dual users had a 9% chance of developing full-blown diabetes. This was a turning point, as it surpassed the percentage of traditional tobacco smokers, who had only a 7% chance. Neupane explained, “In an era where e-cigarettes are marketed as a ‘safer’ alternative to smoking, this suggests that they may have a hidden danger and silently contribute to long-term health problems such as prediabetes and diabetes”.
A somewhat incomplete study
As additional information, and contributing little to the study, it was found that those people who used electronic cigarettes and who were also overweight or obese had a higher risk of developing diabetes, focusing on Black Hispanic and Asian populations. This study has numerous limitations, so the data can only suggest hypotheses that cannot be proven, at least for now. “People who do not earn enough money experience mental stress and tend to smoke or use alcohol to reduce that stress, which leads to these increased risk factors,” says Neupane.
Other factors come into play, such as being overweight, obesity, cardiovascular problems, or alcohol consumption, so linking the onset of prediabetes solely and exclusively to the use of traditional tobacco or vapes is a bit risky. According to Neupane, ‘As the use of electronic cigarettes rapidly increases, it is vital that we understand their broader impacts on health. This is no longer just about the lungs, but about the entire body and metabolic health.’