Vnitr Lek 2025, 71(7):456-460 | DOI: 10.36290/vnl.2025.082

Barriers to smoking cessation in patients with diabetes mellitus

Marika Koželuhová, Jana Malinovská, Natália Michalcová, Sofia Talalaievska, Jan Brož
Interní klinika 2. LF UK a FN Motol, Praha

Although the prevalence of smoking is lower among people with diabetes mellitus (DM) than in the general population, it remains an important issue that requires targeted smoking-cessation interventions. Smoking worsens metabolic control, increases insulin resistance, and accelerates the progression of both macrovascular and microvascular complications. The treatment of tobacco dependence in patients with DM is complicated by specific barriers, including lack of knowledge about the effects of smoking on DM, concerns about weight gain, psychological burden associated with the disease, and the risk of glycemic variability. Effective treatment combines structured behavioural and pharmacological interventions, together with healthy-lifestyle support and intensified glycemic monitoring. An individualised, multidisciplinary approach significantly increases smoking cessation success and improves diabetes outcomes and quality of life for patients with DM.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus, smoking, smoking cessation, barriers, tobacco dependence treatment.

Accepted: October 16, 2025; Published: October 31, 2025  Show citation

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Koželuhová M, Malinovská J, Michalcová N, Talalaievska S, Brož J. Barriers to smoking cessation in patients with diabetes mellitus. Vnitr Lek. 2025;71(7):456-460. doi: 10.36290/vnl.2025.082.
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