Smoking
Smoking is a well-known cause of many health problems and premature death in people without diabetes. The effects of smoking for people with diabetes are much, much worse.
Ask Patient if they Smoke
If they answer yes assess willingness to quit, refer to smoking cessation if willing.
Smoking will:
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Reduces blood flow in arteries and blocks increased blood flow when the body needs it
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Causes pain in the legs (claudication) and chest (angina) to be much worse if peripheral vascular disease present in legs and or coronary heart disease
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Increases atheromatous plaques. These are hard lumps which form in arteries in the brain and heart, and when they block the blood vessel result in strokes and heart attacks
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Increase the binding of platlets. The part of blood that is responsible for plugging holes if you cut yourself. When they bind they block blood vessels and cause strokes or heart attacks
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Makes blood pressure to go up. High blood pressure make atheromatous plaques worse
Note: smoking will damage lungs and bladder and just about any other part of the body you care to mention.