Diabetes and Smoking: A Novel Approach to Help Patients Reduce Health Risks

 —————–As-Saba Hossain

Bangladesh is one of the top ten countries with the highest number of adults with diabetes globally. Due to limited resources, identification of diabetes patients is a challenge, especially at the early stage, which makes tackling this health matter a challenge from both financial and health aspects. With 13.1 million adult patients diagnosed as diabetic, the number is expected to double by 2045. To make matters worse, 23–34% of this population has been identified as smokers. While sitting on these two silent epidemics, Bangladesh is looking towards challenging times with the added burden of health care. Unfortunately, clinical settings in Bangladesh hardly provide adequate services to help smokers with diabetes quit. To tackle this issue, the Association for Community Empowerment (ACE), Dhaka, Bangladesh, has developed a protocol for a clinical trial titled `Intervention to Assess the Long-Term Health Effects of Smoking Cessation among Type 2 Diabetic Smokers-DISC’. This trial will evaluate the effects of tobacco cessation products on smoking cessation and the health outcomes of diabetic smokers, as well as support the development of suitable interventions for smokers with diabetes.

With the rise of smoking-related illnesses, it is important to find alternative methods that can help people stop smoking and improve their health. One such method is a tobacco harm reduction product. Among these products, the oral nicotine pouch (ONP) has yet to be introduced in this country. The objective of this study is to assess the long-term effect of this product on smoking cessation and health outcomes among type 2 diabetes patients who smoke cigarettes or cigars. This study design has been designed as a randomized control trial (RCT) aimed at assessing the effectiveness of a 12-week intervention and its long-term effect on type 2 diabetic patients. The study will be conducted in two phases: a 12-week intervention period, followed by a 4-week phase-out period. Participants will be followed for the next 8 months to study the long-term effects of the intervention. This study design will allow us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the efficacy of the intervention and its long-term effects.

In the protocol, it is proposed that a total of 440 adult smokers with diabetes will be included in the study. They will be offered an oral nicotine pouch. The study will be conducted at Enam Medical College Hospital, Savar. This research project has the potential to provide valuable insights into the potential of smoking cessation to reduce the risk of tobacco-related complications in patients with diabetes. The findings of this project can be shared with others in order to have an even greater impact in terms of policy decisions and enacting positive change. This novel approach will definitely shed light on the prospects of significantly reducing the number of people with diabetes who develop complications related to smoking. It is a great opportunity to make a difference and improve the lives of those with diabetes.