Research presented at the American Heart Association's (AHA) annual conference suggests young adult smokers with prediabetes have a greater risk of stroke.
The findings were presented by general medicine specialist Dr. Advait Vasavada of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, who emphasized that people at risk need to get checked early to prevent serious health issues.
A smoker smokes a cigarette in the street on May 30, 2006, in Sydney, Australia.
The medical study found that people with prediabetes are 3.3 times more likely to suffer from a stroke and end up in the hospital. Medical data from over a million smokers hospitalized in US hospitals in 2019 were studied, according to US News & World Report. Ages ranged from 18 to 44. Despite having no heart disease risk factors, their smoking indicated nicotine addiction.
Further analysis found that two in 1,000 young smokers have prediabetes, a condition of elevated blood sugar but not diabetes. It still raises Type 2 diabetes risk. Moreover, hospitalized smokers with prediabetes had higher risks for renal issues, heart attacks, and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than nonsmokers.
Young Adults Urged to Keep Track of Blood Sugar Level
Dr. Vasavada emphasized the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and pointed out the importance of regular check-ups to monitor blood sugar.
In a media release of the American Heart Association, he was quoted saying: "If you're a metabolically healthy, young adult dependent on tobacco use, it is wise to cut down on but better yet eliminate tobacco use completely. It is also worth noting that having prediabetes can significantly increase your risk of having a stroke at a young age, even if you don't use tobacco products. Developing an overall healthy lifestyle, plus ensuring that your blood sugar is well controlled and measured in your routine preventive care visits, are advisable."
Dr. Esa Davis from the American Heart Association's team focusing on drugs, alcohol, and tobacco called out the wrong idea that strokes only happen to old people. He brought attention to the dangers for young folks who smoke.
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The findings suggest young adults, especially those dealing with prediabetes, should give up smoking to slash their chances of getting heart diseases or strokes. Despite its preliminary nature and ongoing peer review process, the research serves as a crucial reminder of the broader health risks associated with youth smoking.
Number of Vape Users Increase
Meanwhile, recent data from the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center indicates a discernible shift in the smoking habits of young individuals. Nowadays, more individuals in the 18-24 age range are opting for e-cigarettes rather than traditional cigarettes.
According to Dr. Benjamin Toll, director of the MUSC Health Tobacco Treatment Program, more people who describe themselves as "never smokers" than "smokers" are beginning vaping for the first time. A research report published in JAMA Internal Medicine indicates that this shift shows how the tobacco business is evolving. Although fewer young people reported smoking, these "never smokers" are likely to keep vaping.
Researchers warn that although e-cigarettes may help smokers stop, they are dangerous to health, which is concerning as more young people who have never smoked start vaping. Research financed by the NIH emphasizes continuous monitoring and public health activities, according to Medical Xpress.
According to the American Lung Association, e-cigarettes contain hazardous chemicals like acrolein, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde that can cause lung and heart diseases.
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