FREQUENCY OF SMOKING AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE IN SAUDI MALE DIABETIC PATIENTS

Objectives: 1) To find out the frequency of smoking in Saudi diabetic patients and to know the frequency of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in regular smoker, ex-smoker and non-smoker diabetic subjects.2): To evaluate and compare the glycemic and lipid control between diabetic smokers and diabetic non-smokers.Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted at department of Physiology and Medicine, College of Medicine,King Saud University. A total of 1000 Saudi diabetic patients (509 Males 491 females) were studied. They were evaluated for the presence of IHD and cardiovascular risk factors. Smoking was defined as current regular cigarette smoking or ex-smoking without regard to daily consumption.Results: The frequency of regular smokers in males was 6.87% (n=35), ex-smokers was 6.09% (n=31) and overall it was found to be 12.97% (n=66). Only 2 females were found to be smokers (0.20%). Therefore, only male subjects were studied. The ex-smokers and all smokers had higher body mass index than non-smokers (p 0.05). Smokers had poor glycemic control compared to non-smokers (p 0.05). Triglyceride levels were higher in ex-smokers and all smokers compared to never smokers (p 0.05). Prevalence of IHD in non smokers was 13.77%. In regular smokers and ex-smokers frequency of IHD was 22.58 and 24.24% respectively. Odds ratio of IHD in smokers was 2 (p 0.05).Conclusions: The frequency of smoking in Saudi diabetic patients is 12.97%. Diabetic smokers have poor glycemic and lipid control than non-smokers. Smoking doubles the risk of IHD in diabetes mellitus. Frequency of IHD is similar between regular and ex-smokers.