Effect of cigarette smoking on blood biochemical parameters in males of district Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Smoking is one of the most common preventable causes of mortality worldwide. It increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases by affecting lipid profiles and diabetes by elevating blood glucose levels. To investigate the injurious effect of cigarette smoking, the present study was done in the tehsil Topi of district Swabi. The study aimed to find an association between cigarette smoking and liver function, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. About 100 healthy males were selected, ranging from 20 to 35. They were divided into two groups, 50 were smokers, and 50 were non-smokers. Blood samples were taken to estimate serum liver function test and blood glucose levels. Serum Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) in smokers was increased by 12% (P < 0.05) in comparison to non-smokers. At the same time, Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) was increased by 17% (P > 0.05) for smokers as compared to non-smokers. Lactate Dehydrogenase showed a 4% (P > 0.05) increase in smokers. Blood glucose levels showed elevation by 7% (P < 0.05) in smokers. The study concluded that the injurious health effects of cigarette smoking increase with an increase in the number of cigarettes smoked in a day. It can affect blood glucose levels putting cigarette smokers at high risk of diabetes.