Diabetes or Smoke?

Giving up smoking sharply increases the risk of developing type-two diabetes according to a US study which suggests an increased risk of 70 per cent for quitters in the first six years. “This is because they tend to put on weight. However, the Annals of Internal Medicine study stressed that this should not be used as an excuse to carry on smoking. On no account should people use the theoretical results of this study as an excuse not to give up smoking The Johns Hopkins team also stress that smoking is a well known risk factor for type-two diabetes – as well as many other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke and cancer. Researcher Dr Jessica Yeh said: ‘If you smoke, give it up. That’s the right thing to do. But people have to also watch their weight.’ The study, based on 10,892 middle aged adults who were followed for up to 17 years, found the risk of developing type-two diabetes was highest in the first three years after giving up smoking.”