Giving up smoking raises diabetes risk: Study
Contrary to popular belief that giving up smoking is good for diabetics, a new study claimed that kicking the habit sharply increases the risk of developing the disease.
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London: Contrary to popular belief that giving up smoking is good for diabetics, a new study claimed that kicking the habit sharply increases the risk of developing the disease.
American researchers found that quitters had a 70 percent increased risk of developing type-two diabetes in the first six years as compared with non-smokers because they tend to put on weight.
The Johns Hopkins University team, however, stressed 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. Quitters tend to put on weight because
smoking acts to suppress appetite."
The study, based on 10,892 middle-aged adults who were
followed for up to 17 years, found that the risk of developing
type-two diabetes was highest in the first three years after
giving up smoking, the BBC reported.
Around 1.8 percent of people giving up smoking developed
type-two diabetes each year during that period. If quitters
avoided developing the condition for 10 years, then their
long-term risk returned to normal.
People who made no effort to give up smoking had a
constant 30 percent increased risk of type-two diabetes
compared to non-smokers.
Type-two diabetes means the body either fails to make
enough of the hormone insulin, or cannot make proper use of
it, leading to uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
One of the major risk factors for the condition is being
overweight.
The researchers found those who smoked the most and
those who gained the most weight had the highest likelihood
for developing diabetes after they quit.
On average, during the first three years of the study,
quitters gained about 3.8kg.
The researchers said doctors should keep in mind the
importance of weight control when counseling people about
giving up smoking.
The use of nicotine replacement therapy has been shown
to blunt the weight gain associated with giving up smoking.
Martin Dockrell, of the anti-smoking charity Ash, said:
"The researchers are clear that smokers should quit but --
especially if you are a heavy smoker or are already overweight
-- you might want to gently increase your exercise when you
quit.
"If you are a smoker who is also overweight you should
talk to your doctor about how to get the best from quitting.
"A little more exercise could help improve your sense of
well being, reduce weight gain and undo some of the harm done
by smoking leading to a healthier, happier you."
PTI
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