Comparison of Fasting Plasma Glucose among Smoking and Non Smoking Medical Student Population

Diabetes mellitus is an established widespread morbidity factor across the globe. Smoking is a major risk factor for developing stress. Smoking is shown to elevate cortisol level. Smoking also contributes to development of insulin resistance and hence type 2 diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to find the association between cigarette smoking and diabetes mellitus. This study included 30 students (15 smokers, 15 non smokers) from 1st year and similar group was chosen from 3rd year medical students. Serum cortisol level was estimated by Electrochemiluminiscence immunoassay and Plasma glucose was estimated by glucose oxidase method on a HITACHI 917 analyzer. The data was statistically analyzed using students t test and chi-square test. P value less than0.05 was considered as statistical significance. This study found a positive association between smoking and diabetes. It showed that with advancing age and longer duration of exposure to nicotine and prolonged activation of HPA axis, the chances of developing frank hyperglycemia increasing in due course.