Catania, November 14, 2024 – Today, on World Diabetes Day, over sixty countries are joining forces to promote diabetes prevention and management. With diabetes affecting 537 million adults globally, unhealthy habits—especially smoking—pose a serious threat to public health. This year’s theme emphasizes holistic patient well-being, addressing both physical and mental health. Aligned with this mission, CoEHAR is leading the DIASMOKE Free study, a global initiative to support diabetic patients in quitting smoking or reducing harm through smoke-free alternatives.
“This World Diabetes Day, let’s unite to shift perceptions around diabetes and champion innovative research that can drive meaningful health improvements. CoEHAR is fully committed to these goals,” says Prof. Lucia Frittitta, Director of the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine at the University of Catania, where CoEHAR is based “We are actively exploring various strategies to reduce harm for diabetic patients stemming from unhealthy lifestyle choices“.
“Today, we join millions around the globe in observing World Diabetes Day—an important opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes, a condition affecting over 537 million adults worldwide. As we reflect on this year’s theme, we highlight the value of early diagnosis, continuous education, and accessible support for individuals with diabetes. This aligns closely with our ongoing DIASMOKE FREE study, where we are investigating the impact of smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction on diabetes management and overall health outcomes“, explains Prof. Riccardo Polosa, founder of CoEHAR, “The study underscores our commitment to helping individuals make informed lifestyle changes that can profoundly improve diabetes control and quality of life“.
“Current smoking cessation guidelines often overlook the unique challenges that smokers face“, states Prof. Edward Franek, one of the DIASMOKE Free study’s principal investigators at the Clinical Research Center at the Academy of Sciences in Warsaw. “Many patients, despite understanding the severe impact of smoking, struggle to quit due to habit persistence. Addressing this, new electronic nicotine delivery systems, which can reduce harm by over 95%, offer a practical solution and mitigate co-morbidities associated with severe diseases. With the DIASMOKE Free study we are pioneering an alternative approach, with real-life results, that supports those who find it difficult to quit on their own“.
