Trends in cigarette smoking among US adults with diabetes: findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

BACKGROUND: Smoking substantially increases morbidity and mortality rates in people with diabetes. Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of smoking among people with diabetes is similar to that among people without diabetes. We sought to examine temporal trends in the prevalence of smoking among people with diabetes since 1990. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for 1990-2001. RESULTS: The age-adjusted prevalence of smoking among adults with diabetes was 23.6% (men, 25.4%; women, 22.2%) in 1990 and 23.2% (men, 24.8%; women, 21.9%) in 2001. In comparison, the prevalence among participants without diabetes was 24.2% (men, 25.7%; women, 22.8%) in 1990 and 23.2% (men, 24.8%; women, 21.5%) in 2001. Thus, the prevalence of cigarette smoking was similar and remained stable from 1990 through 2001. Among participants with diabetes, significant decreases in the prevalence of smoking occurred among African Americans and those aged >/=65 years. CONCLUSIONS: New efforts and commitments to promote smoking cessation among people with diabetes are needed.