Is Vaping Safe for Diabetics? What the Research Says

Smoking traditional cigarettes is well known to cause numerous health issues. From heart attacks to lung damage to cancer, smoking has been linked to several serious conditions.  

Smoking is also a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, with studies finding that smokers are up to 40% more likely to develop the condition than non-smokers. If you’re already diabetic, smoking can worsen outcomes for you. 

But what about vaping? Is vaping safe for diabetics?

Since you’re reading this, chances are you’re either seeking to quit smoking or have already embarked on your smokefree journey. 

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Nicotine vaping products (NVPs) are smoking cessation tools recommended to smokers who are struggling to quit using existing pharmacotherapies. 

Let’s look at what the research says in relation to vaping and diabetes.

Vaping and Blood Sugar: Potential Effects

Unfortunately, the long-term effects of vaping or e-cigarettes have yet to be discovered — these products have only been in the market for 20 years.

While there’s no concrete data to support the dangers of nicotine vaping products to diabetics, it’s safe to assume that it will cause some possible problems with your health.

For instance, these products contain nicotine, which can impact a user’s glucose levels.

Nicotine, the relatively harmless but highly addictive chemical in cigarettes and in controlled amounts for treatment with pharmacy-sold nicotine vaping products, can cause your blood vessels to constrict temporarily.

The temporary elevation of your blood pressure and unnecessary activation of the body’s fight-or-flight response can cause complications with diabetics

We’ve mentioned pharmacy-sold NVPs above. These are high-quality products designed with the highest products possible, have undergone toxicology and inhalation tests, and are made with the standards set by the TGA with approved ingredients.

These products are only sold in pharmacies and if the patient has a prescription from a stop-smoking GP.

Illegal NVPs are products sold from groceries, convenience stores, and even local tobacconists.

There’s no telling about the possible long-term damage these products can cause due to their lack of regulation and standards in manufacturing (as most of them are manufactured overseas and imported into Australia — activities now banned by the government).

As a result, you may inhale dangerous substances that can exacerbate diabetes symptoms and comorbidities.

How Much Sugar is in Vape Juice?

E-juice or e-liquids contain nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and flavourings. Even pharmacy NVPs have a small number of flavours with the intent to mask the pungent taste of nicotine to aid in its use as a second-line stop-smoking tool.

Therefore, their sugar levels are usually defined on the package (as these high-quality products have greatly defined and identified ingredients).

On the other hand, illegal NVPs have a wide range of flavours to appeal to anyone who wishes to buy them.

These artificial flavours and sweetening agents can vary in amounts and may even include standalone sweeteners. There’s no telling how much sugar you’re ingesting with these products, which can put a diabetic’s life in danger.

Seek Medical Advice Before Vaping

Smoking is a notoriously hard habit to quit. While a vape is an effective smoking cessation aid for people who have been unsuccessful with other approaches,  we highly recommend doing so only under medical supervision, whether you’re a diabetic or not.

Furthermore, research has found that the risk for type 2 diabetes is higher in quitters for a certain period after they have successfully stopped smoking. Working with a health professional will aid in your diabetes and overall health management as you embark on a nicotine-free life. 

Quit the Habit With the Right Support

We know you’re reading this post because you’re eager to know if vaping is safe for diabetics. 

Smokefree Clinic gives you access to many medically reviewed and trustworthy resources that can inform and aid you in your path to wellness, so have a look around!

If you’re ready to get started, Smokefree can connect you to Australian healthcare professionals who excel in helping patients quit smoking for good.

Link Reference

• https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/diabetes.html
• https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-and-tobacco/about-smoking-and-tobacco/what-are-the-effects-of-smoking-and-tobacco
• https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/publication/tga-laboratory-testing-reports/testing-nicotine-vaping-products
• https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/new-vaping-laws-commence-1-july-2024
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26388413/