Over 18% of people with diabetes continue to smoke despite the elevated cardiovascular and other health risks. Kick the habit and help your heart today.

Ways to get started:

Talk with your doctor. A nicotine patch or similar treatment may be helpful.

Build a support system. Make sure the people around you know about your stop smoking goal, and seek out others who will support your efforts. Call your local hospital or American Lung Association chapter to find out if there are smoking cessation classes or groups offered in your area.

Reward yourself. Set goals for your quit smoking efforts, and reward yourself when you achieve them. Use the money you would have spent on smokes to defray the cost.

Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 4/08