"The combination of high blood glucose and smoking dramatically increases damage to the blood vessels that feed the heart, brain, eyes, kidneys and peripheral nerves," informs Dr. Vincent Woo, Chair, Clinical and Scientific Section, Canadian Diabetes Association. "Quitting smoking is one of the most important things people living with diabetes can do to help prevent or delay the onset of complications."

"I've succeeded. I've found a way to break all my smoking routines and I'm making new ones that I like and that I'm able to maintain," says Blackstock. "It's been a hard process, but I feel great knowing that I've done something to decrease my chance of diabetes-related complications."

The WHO's World No Tobacco Day 2010 will place an emphasis on the harmful effects of tobacco marketing towards women and girls as the epidemic of tobacco use among them is increasing in some countries.

Source: CANADIAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION