The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline Highlights the Connection Between Smoking and Diabetes
OKLAHOMA CITY (October 2, 2023) – The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), is launching a statewide campaign highlighting the link between smoking and Type 2 diabetes.
In Oklahoma, diabetes is one of the ten leading causes of death, affecting nearly half a million residents (14%) — and more than one million Oklahomans are affected by prediabetes. Studies show that people who smoke have up to a 40% higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than non-smokers. Additionally, people with diabetes who smoke are more likely to have trouble with insulin dosing and managing their condition.
“While most people are aware of the cancer risks, there are many other health risks associated with tobacco use, including Type 2 diabetes,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “This new campaign highlights these additional harms. ”
The “Diabetes Kitchen Counter” ad follows a man through several decades as he places items on a table, such as his keys, wallet, phone and cigarettes. As years pass, diabetes medication gets added to the items because of his tobacco use. Ultimately, he decides to quit tobacco with the Helpline.
Type 2 diabetes is preventable and manageable by focusing on making healthy lifestyle choices each day.
The “Diabetes Kitchen Counter” campaign will be broadcast on TV and radio statewide and also includes social media content and print and digital ads. To see this campaign and learn more about health risks involved with tobacco use, reach out to the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline at 1-800-QUIT NOW or visit OKhelpline.com.
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The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a free service for Oklahomans wanting to help themselves, loved ones, patients or employees live tobacco free. Funding is primarily provided by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, in partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline has served more than 520,000 Oklahomans since 2003 and has been ranked among the top quitlines for reaching tobacco users seeking treatment for the last 10 years by the North American Quitline Consortium.
The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations shaping a healthier future for all Oklahomans. TSET provides leadership at the intersections of health by working with local coalitions and initiatives across the state, cultivating innovative and life-changing research and working across public and private sectors to develop, support, implement and evaluate creative strategies to take advantage of emerging opportunities to improve the public’s health. To learn more, go to Oklahoma.gov/TSET.
TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health
