By Lauren Haughey,Maria Ortega

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Vapes are frequently promoted as a ‘safer’ alternative to smoking at a time when millions of people continue to light up cigarettes in the UK. But a recent study has now reminded smokers that vapin g is certainly not without risks. The research, led by the US-based University of Georgia , delved into 1.2 million data points to better understand how smoking and e-cigarette use correlate with prediabetes and diabetes. Prediabetes refers to mildly elevated blood sugar levels and signals an increased risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes. Overall, smoking traditional cigarettes and cigars posed a greater risk for prediabetes, increasing the threat by a worrying 15% – but vaping wasn’t far behind. The study revealed that e-cigarette use was associated with a 7% increased risk, in addition to exacerbated short-term insulin resistance and weight gain in users. Meanwhile, combining both smoking and vaping pushed that risk to 28%. According to ASH (Action on Smoking and Health), around 5.5 million people in the UK use vapes. The research suggests they are putting themselves at heightened risk of unexplained weightloss, itchiness, increased thirst and overtiredness – all signs of type 2 diabetes. Sulakshan Neupane , lead author of the study, explained last month: “In an era when e-cigarettes are marketed as a ‘safer’ alternative to smoking, this suggests they may carry a hidden peril and may be quietly contributing to long-term health problems like prediabetes and diabetes. “As the use of e-cigarettes rises rapidly, it’s vital we understand their broader health impacts. This is not just about the lungs anymore but the entire body and metabolic health.” Beyond this, researchers noted various population traits that could increase the chance of prediabetes and diabetes diagnoses in these cases. For example, Hispanic, Black, and Asian people who smoked or vaped faced a significantly higher risk than white people. Being overweight, having a higher body mass index (BMI), or dealing with obesity was linked to worse outcomes than ‘typical weight’ smokers. However, more research is needed to better understand the mechanisms behind these findings. Neupane added: “These findings have important implications for public health efforts to curb smoking and improve diabetes outcomes.” The NHS explains that the primary signs of type 2 diabetes are: However, other red flags can be: Anyone who is concerned about their symptoms ought to seek medical advice. Those interested in evaluating their risk can also visit the Diabetes UK website, where a two-minute test is available. Participants are advised to have a tape measure and scales at hand before starting, as obesity and a waist circumference over 35 to 40 inches are considered risk factors for the condition. The assessment should only be taken by those over 18 and is not meant for pregnant women, as their results would not be reliable. Click the link here to learn more.