Pre-diabetes risk rises from 15% in smokers to 28% in those who smoke and vape, says study

Vaping and smoking may be steering many people towards prediabetes and diabetes (Picture Credit: Pexels)

Are you aware that what you breathe in during your waking hours may be doing far more damage than you realise? A new study from the University of Georgia has cast a stark light on the hidden metabolic dangers of both cigarettes and e-cigarettes, warning that millions could be nudged towards blood sugar trouble without noticing the early signs.

Researchers looked at more than 1.2 million survey responses and found that people who vape, smoke, or do both are far more likely to develop prediabetes and diabetes than non-users. While many young people view e-cigarettes as a cleaner, safer alternative, the study suggests otherwise.
One of the lead researchers, Sulakshan Neupane, warned that vaping is “not just about the lungs anymore”, stressing that it may slowly disrupt how the body handles insulin and weight. Even vaping alone raised the risk of prediabetes by 7%. That may sound small, but on a national scale it equates to roughly 7,000 extra cases a year.

Smoking and vaping at the same time proved particularly risky. Traditional smoking increased prediabetes odds by 15%, but those who used both products saw their chances soar by 28%. The dangers didn’t stop at early-stage disease either — dual users faced higher rates of full-blown diabetes, with risk increases of 7% and 9%.

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For communities already facing structural challenges, the picture was even more troubling. Hispanic, Black and some Asian groups, along with those on the lowest incomes, showed sharply higher diagnoses.

Part of the problem, the study found, is that vaping and smoking collide with other pressures. Overweight and obese people who smoked or vaped fared particularly poorly, and those living on tight budgets faced a 12% greater risk of both prediabetes and diabetes. Chronic stress, financial strain and coping behaviours such as smoking or drinking appeared to fuel the cycle.

Nevertheless, regular physical activity reduced the risk of prediabetes among smokers by 8%, showing that lifestyle changes can soften some of the blow.

What the study means for everyday people

- Vaping isn’t harmless — even without smoking, it raises prediabetes risk.
- Smoking plus vaping is far worse than either habit alone.
- People on low incomes face higher danger, often due to stress and limited health resources.
- Weight matters — those overweight or obese experience stronger effects.
- Exercise can help, offering meaningful protection against early metabolic disease.
- Young people may face rising diabetes rates as vaping continues to grow in popularity.

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This new evidence suggests that the devices many believed were a safer escape from cigarettes may, in fact, be ushering in a new wave of metabolic illness. As researchers warn, understanding these risks is vital, because the danger isn’t just in the puff of smoke, but in the quiet damage that follows.

FAQs on health consequences of vaping and smoking:

1. Is vaping safer than smoking?

Not necessarily. Vaping still exposes the lungs to harmful chemicals and nicotine.

2. Can vaping or smoking damage the lungs?

Yes. Both can cause lung irritation, reduced lung function, and long-term respiratory problems.

3. Do vaping and smoking affect the heart?

Yes. Nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure, raising the risk of heart disease.

4. Can vaping and smoking lead to addiction?

Absolutely. Nicotine is highly addictive, regardless of how it’s consumed.

5. Are there long-term risks?
Yes. Both increase the risk of cancer, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular issues.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.