Tobacco, electronic cigarette, alcohol and cannabis use among individuals diagnosed with diabetes. A national survey in France

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Substance Use Research

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus (wD) prevalence is rising globally.
• Lifestyle factors, including substance use, significantly impact diabetes management and outcomes.
• Understanding substance use patterns in individuals with diabetes is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the prevalence of tobacco smoking, electronic cigarette use, alcohol consumption, and cannabis use between individuals with diabetes mellitus (wD) and those without (woD).
• To identify differences in smoking intensity and tobacco dependence among individuals wD and woD.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the French Health Barometer 2021 survey.
• Inclusion of 24,496 participants, with 1772 (8.0%) diagnosed with diabetes.
• Statistical comparison of substance use patterns between individuals wD and woD.

Main Results:

• Lower overall smoking prevalence (22.1% vs. 30.6%) was observed in individuals wD, but they exhibited higher rates of smoking more than 15 cigarettes/day and greater tobacco dependence.
• Electronic cigarette experimentation was lower in individuals wD (28.7% vs. 39.5%), with similar current use.
• Alcohol consumption and cannabis use were less common among individuals wD, though daily alcohol consumption rates were similar.

Conclusions:

• Despite lower overall prevalence, tobacco smoking among individuals wD is more intense and associated with higher dependence.
• All current smokers with diabetes should be assessed and enrolled in smoking cessation programs.
• Further research is required to explore the association between other substance use, diabetes characteristics, and self-management.