Cigarette smoking among vermonters with diabetes, 2000 to 2003

Purpose Smoking cigarettes greatly increases the risks of diabetic complications. This analysis describes and compares cigarette smoking rates among Vermonters with and without diabetes. Methods Program staff analyzed the combined 2000 to 2003 Vermont Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the SPSS Complex Sample Module. Results were age-adjusted to the U.S. 2000 population. Results The overall smoking rate for Vermonters with diabetes is lower (16%; CI = 13%–18%) than the rate for those without diabetes (21%; CI = 21%–22%), but the age-adjusted rates for smoking are similar: diabetic, 23% (CI = 21%–26%); nondiabetic, 21% (CI = 21%–22%). Overall, smoking rates differ by age, with higher smoking rates for younger ages, but do not differ by diabetes status within age groups: diabetic versus nondiabetic, age 18–44, 30% (CI = 22%–40%) vs. 27% (CI = 26%–29%); age 45–64, 20% (CI = 16%–24%) vs. 18% (CI = 17%–19%); age ≥65: 6% (CI = 4%–9%) vs. 8% (CI = 7%–10%). After age adjustment, women with diabetes smoked more than all men and more than women without diabetes: diabetic men, 20% (CI = 16%–24%); diabetic women, 27% (CI = 24%–30%); nondiabetic men, 22% (CI = 21%–23%); nondiabetic women, 21% (CI = 20%–22%)). Smoking is highest among women with diabetes aged 18 to 44, though their rates are not statistically higher than all men or than women without diabetes in that age group (18–44): diabetic women, 37% (CI = 26%–49%); diabetic men, 24% (CI = 14%–39%); nondiabetic women, 27% (CI = 26%–29%); nondiabetic men, 28% (CI = 26%–30%). Due to the small number of nonwhite Vermont residents (94.1% white non-Hispanic), race was not included in the analysis. Conclusion Despite the increased risk of complications due to smoking, diabetic Vermonters have smoking rates similar to or higher than the nondiabetic population. Smoking in the diabetic population, especially in younger women, provides the incentive for new coordination between diabetes and tobacco control programs within the Vermont Health Department.