Secondhand Smoke Could Lead to Glucose Intolerance

Study shows importance of staying away from smoky places

Want another reason to steer clear of smoky places? A study found that people exposed to secondhand smoke were 35 percent more likely to develop glucose intolerance (high blood sugar levels), also known as pre-diabetes. “We’ve known for some time that smokers have an increased risk of glucose intolerance,” says pulmonologist Robert Kruklitis, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “But this study shows that those exposed to secondhand smoke are susceptible, too.”

That’s because some of the toxins in cigarette smoke damage the pancreas, which helps regulate insulin. “Abnormalities in insulin production can lead to diabetes,” Kruklitis says.

“Nicotine can also raise blood sugar levels, both to smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke,” says Kruklitis’s colleague, family physician Jolly Canlas, M.D., who cautions non-smokers to stay away from highly concentrated smoky areas like small, poorly ventilated rooms.

Unfortunately, researchers don’t yet know how much secondhand smoke exposure is too much, but there are already plenty of reasons to seek cleaner air. “We already know secondhand smoke puts adults and children at risk for diseases ranging from heart and chronic lung diseases to asthma, allergies and chronic ear infections,” Canlas says. “So, try to minimize your exposure to secondhand smoke. And don’t feel bad asking people not to smoke in your home or car.”

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