Vaping Linked to Higher Prediabetes Risk, New Study Finds
🔍 What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It’s a warning sign that your body is struggling to regulate glucose effectively. If left unmanaged, prediabetes can progress to full-blown diabetes, increasing the risk of heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve issues.
📊 Study Overview: Vaping and Metabolic Risk
A recent study published in AJPM Focus by researchers at the University of Georgia has revealed alarming data: individuals who vape are 7% more likely to develop prediabetes compared to non-smokers. The risk increases dramatically for those who combine vaping with traditional smoking—up to 28% higher for prediabetes and 9% higher for diabetes[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/combining-vaping-and-smoking-may-raise-risk-of-diabetes-and-prediabetes-study-finds/ar-AA1MEKFe?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 "1")[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://knowridge.com/2025/09/smoking-and-vaping-could-raise-diabetes-risk-study-finds/?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 "2").
🧠 Why Vaping Affects Blood Sugar
Nicotine, the primary substance in e-cigarettes, can interfere with insulin sensitivity. It may also contribute to weight gain and inflammation—two major risk factors for prediabetes. The study suggests that vaping might quietly contribute to metabolic dysfunction, even in users who don’t smoke traditional cigarettes[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://www.sciencealert.com/vaping-increases-your-risk-of-prediabetes-study-suggests?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 "3").
👥 Who Is Most at Risk?
- Young adults and teens who vape regularly
- Individuals with low income and high stress levels
- People from minority ethnic backgrounds (Hispanic, Black, Asian)
- Those with a sedentary lifestyle or poor diet
📉 Vaping vs. Smoking: Risk Comparison
| Behavior | Prediabetes Risk Increase | Diabetes Risk Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Non-smoker | Baseline | Baseline |
| Vaping only | +7% | +7% |
| Smoking only | +15% | +7% |
| Vaping + Smoking | +28% | +9% |
💡 Lifestyle Changes That Help
Fortunately, the study also found that regular exercise can reduce the risk of prediabetes by up to 8% among smokers. This suggests that while vaping poses risks, healthy habits can help mitigate some of the damage[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://knowridge.com/2025/09/smoking-and-vaping-could-raise-diabetes-risk-study-finds/?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 "2").
🛑 The Myth of “Safer” Alternatives
Many people believe vaping is a safer alternative to smoking. However, this study challenges that notion. While vaping may reduce lung-related risks compared to cigarettes, it introduces new dangers to metabolic health. The idea that e-cigarettes are harmless is increasingly being debunked by science[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/combining-vaping-and-smoking-may-raise-risk-of-diabetes-and-prediabetes-study-finds/ar-AA1MEKFe?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 "1")[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://www.sciencealert.com/vaping-increases-your-risk-of-prediabetes-study-suggests?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 "3").
📣 Public Health Implications
Governments and health organizations are beginning to respond. For instance, Spain recently banned smoking and vaping on restaurant terraces. These measures reflect growing concern over the long-term effects of nicotine products[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/combining-vaping-and-smoking-may-raise-risk-of-diabetes-and-prediabetes-study-finds/ar-AA1MEKFe?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 "1").
📚 Final Thoughts
Vaping is not harmless. While it may help some people quit smoking, it carries its own set of risks—especially for metabolic health. If you're using e-cigarettes, consider the broader impact on your body and explore healthier alternatives.
✅ Tips to Reduce Your Risk
- Limit or quit vaping and smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a balanced, low-sugar diet
- Get regular blood sugar screenings
📎 Tags
🔗 Sources
- Source 1: MSN News - AJPM Focus Study
- Source 2: Knowridge Health News
- Source 3: ScienceAlert
- Source 4: Medical Xpress
- Source 5: Consumer Affairs
0 Comments