FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Nov. 20, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In observance of National Diabetes Awareness Month in November and the Great American Smokeout (GASO) on Nov. 21, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding residents about the connection between smoking and diabetes.
Studies show that, regardless of family history, smoking can cause type 2 diabetes. Also, the nicotine found in commercial tobacco products like cigarettes and vapes can make diabetes worse. Quitting tobacco can prevent increased risk of amputation, heart disease, and insulin resistance in people living with type 2 diabetes.
“The shared observance of Great American Smokeout and National Diabetes Awareness Month is fitting,” said Kristian Myers, interim director for DPH’s Diabetes and Heart Disease Management Section. “The nicotine found in tobacco products like cigarettes and vapes raises your blood sugar. We now know that smoking increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 30 to 40%.”
Nicotine causes insulin resistance, which is a key factor in developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, harmful chemicals in tobacco products can contribute to chronic inflammation, which increases the risk of developing diabetes and increases the risk of complications from diabetes. People who have diabetes and who also smoke are more likely to have difficulty controlling blood sugar and are at greater risk of kidney failure, stroke and leg or foot infections.
DPH encourages people who use tobacco products to quit, or to practice a “mini quit” during the Great American Smokeout Nov. 21. This observance offers a chance to join thousands of people nationwide as they try to break their nicotine addiction and quit tobacco products for good.
To increase your chances of quitting successfully, consider these tips:
Learn more about diabetes management by visiting the DPH website. For more information on the impact of tobacco use on diabetes, visit the CDC’s Smoking and Diabetes webpage. Visit DPH’S tobacco cessation webpage to find free quit support options.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 2, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near Tommy White and Shiloh Church roads in Pauline, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 1, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In 2023, for the first time in more than a decade, South Carolina saw a decrease in the number of overdose deaths in the state, outlined in the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s (DPH) newly released 2023 Drug Overdose Deaths Report.
Each year, DPH’s Drug Overdose Deaths Report provides data and information about the fatal drug overdose deaths that occur in the state.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Mar. 31, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Gateview Court and Lamp Post Lane in Rock Hill, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Mar. 24, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) joins partners across the country and globe in raising awareness about tuberculosis (TB) prevention and treatment methods in observance of World TB Day.