Quitting Smoking Increases Risk for Diabetes by 70

Quitting Smoking Increases Risk for Diabetes by 70: A US study this week reported that giving up smoking increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The researchers looked at 10,892 middle-aged adults who were followed for up to 17 years and found the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes was highest in the first three years after giving up smoking. The study found quitters had a 70% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the first six years without cigarettes compared with non-smokers, due to the tendency to put on weight. However, the health benefits of giving up smoking far outweigh the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes from modest, short-term weight gain. See this week’s Item #7. Diabetes UK