Impact of brief smoking cessation intervention on quitting rate and glycemic control in patients with diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

Objective We aimed to evaluate the impact of a brief smoking cessation intervention among patients with diabetes. Methods This randomized interventional clinical trial involved patients with diabetes who smoked tobacco and attended the outpatient diabetes clinic at Penang Hospital, Malaysia. Participants were randomized into a control group that usual care for patients with diabetes, or an intervention group that received a 5-minute physician-delivered brief counseling session on tobacco cessation using the 5A’s strategy, in addition to usual care. Primary outcome measures were assessed over three visits (every 3–4 months) including mean glycated hemoglobin level, quitting rate, blood pressure, and mean number of cigarettes smoked per day. Results In total, 126 participants were finally enrolled in the study, with 63 patients each in the intervention and control groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to glycemic control, blood pressure, and quitting rate. However, patients in both groups reduced their cigarette consumption. Conclusions The present brief smoking cessation intervention did not result in better glycemic control, blood pressure, or quitting rates among patients with diabetes. This patient group may require more intensive guidance for better outcomes. Trial registration: This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04864327); https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?pg=1&load=cart&id=NCT04864327.