Quitting smoking increases the risk of developing diabetes
Those who quit smoking are actually increasing their chances of developing type two diabetes, BBC News reports.
Research shows that quitters have a 70% increased risk of developing type-two diabetes in the first six years without cigarettes compared with non-smokers.
One of the main reasons for the increase in risk is due to the fact that most quitters tend to gain weight because smoking acts to suppress appetite. Although the Annals of Internal Medicine study have stressed that this should not be used as an excuse to continue smoking.
Researchers found those who smoked the most and gained the most weight stood a higher chance of developing diabetes after they quit, but those who made no effort to quit at all had a constant 30% increased risk.
If quitters avoided developing the condition for 10 years, then their long term risk returned to normal. Researchers have said that the best solution would be for doctors to keep in mind the importance of weight control when counselling people about giving up smoking. Weight control needs to play a more active role in the quitting process. If smokers meetings and quitting kits and advice all begun to introduce weight gain as an issue then those wanting to quit will be more aware of the problem and will be able to seek the relevant help to keep their appetite under control.
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