Second Hand Smoke Increases Risk for Diabetes

In a study researchers have found that people who are exposed to the dangers of second-hand cigarette smoke, may be more likely to develop diabetes. Findings from previous studies have found that smokers could increase their risk for diabetes. But this study went a step further and found that glucose intolerance, (a term used in this study to include those with pre-diabetes and diabetes) was highest among smokers, followed by "never smokers" with passive smoke exposure, then by former smokers, and lastly "never smokers" with no passive smoke exposure.

The researchers reached their findings after tracking the health of more than 4,500 people over a period of 15 years.

"Previous studies have found that smoking could lead to an increase in insulin resistance, so the body fails to respond adequately to the effects of insulin. There have also been suggestions that smoking could have a toxic effect on the pancreas, the organ that produces insulin. Smoking could also contribute to diabetes through changes in body fat distribution."

Beyond the possibility of getting diabetes, passive smokers have similar risks as smokers, said Assoc Prof Sum. For one, passive smoking can increase your risk of coronary heart disease.

Studies carried out in several countries have also suggested that the risk of lung cancer is about 20 to 30 per cent higher for "never smokers" who were exposed to passive smoking, said Dr Khoo See Meng, associate consultant, respiratory medicine, department of medicine, National University Hospital.

Incidentally, the risk of lower respiratory tract diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis is estimated to be about 50 to 60 per cent higher in children exposed to passive smoking during their first or second years, compared their peers who were never exposed to passive smoking.

Based on the National Health Survey 2004, about 12.6 per cent of Singaporeans smoke.
Online edition of the British Medical Journal (BMJ). June 2006

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