Vaping Linked to Increased Prediabetes and Diabetes Risk, New Study Finds
WASHINGTON D.C. – A new observational study from American researchers reveals a significant association between electronic cigarette use and an increased risk of developing prediabetes and, later, type 2 diabetes. The findings,published recently,indicate those who use both e-cigarettes and customary cigarettes face the highest risk,experiencing a 28% leap in the probability of prediabetes and a 9% increase in the risk of confirmed diabetes compared to non-smokers. This is notably higher then the 7% increased risk observed in individuals who smoke tobacco cigarettes alone.
the study highlights a concerning trend as public health officials continue to grapple with the long-term effects of vaping, which has become increasingly popular, notably among young adults. While the research doesn’t establish a direct causal link, the strong correlation warrants attention, researchers say.
“Peopel who do not win enough undergo more psychological pressure and tend to smoke or drink to cope with it, which increases risk factors,” explained study author Neupane, highlighting the potential role of socioeconomic factors in driving both vaping and diabetes risk.
Researchers also observed disparities in risk, noting that overweight or obese individuals, and also Hispanic, Black, and Asian minorities, were more vulnerable than white individuals – differences attributed to factors beyond biology, such as lower wages, limited access to healthcare, and chronic stress.
The study, while significant, is observational in nature, relying on self-reported data from a large number of participants without directly monitoring their health or controlling lifestyle factors. This means researchers cannot definitively state that vaping causes prediabetes, only that a strong association exists. Further limitations include the potential for reporting bias and the brief timeframe of the survey, which doesn’t allow for long-term tracking of diabetes advancement.
Despite these limitations, experts caution against dismissing the findings. As is frequently enough the case with emerging public health concerns, researchers emphasize the importance of recognizing that the absence of certainty does not equate to the absence of risk. Similar correlations have historically preceded the establishment of stronger causal links in cases like tobacco and lung cancer, and asbestos and respiratory diseases.
This study, thus, serves as a crucial warning, prompting further investigation into the potential health consequences of electronic cigarette use.
