Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
24 September 2015 09:37
Researchers say smoking is linked to an increased diabetes risk
The chance of developing Type 2 diabetes is raised by smoking, new research indicates.
Researchers sifted through the results of dozens of previous studies containing data on nearly six million people.
They found the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is increased among both those who smoke and people who inhale smoke passively.
People who currently smoke, the researchers say, are 37% more likely to develop the disease than those who have never taken up the habit.
Former smokers have a 14% increased chance of becoming diabetic and they link passive smoking to a 22% greater risk.
The research, carried out by scientists at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, suggests that the risk posed to former smokers falls as time goes on.
Writing in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal, they point out that the prevalence of diabetes is increasing around the world.
In the UK, getting on for three million people are thought to have Type 2 diabetes.
But it is something which they can still go on holiday with, protected by a diabetes travel insurance policy.
The researchers say, together with their findings and the fact that smoking is still highly prevalent in many countries, that when it comes to preventing and controlling diabetes, public health bodies should prioritise schemes which aim to cut tobacco use.
The team also say that further research is needed into why people who have stopped smoking appear to face a greater short-term risk of getting Type 2 diabetes.
Five experts, led by Professor Sattar at the University of Glasgow, have written a comment linked to the new research.
They say that smoking should now be treated as a risk factor for diabetes, as well as for many cancers and heart disease.
They add that smokers should be told that quitting their habit for good could, over time, cut their chances of getting diabetes.
20 July 2018
Computer problems have hit British Airways operations at London's Heathrow Airport.
[more...]
19 July 2018
The flu vaccination does not appear to have been effective in protecting against so-called Aussie flu, figures show.
18 July 2018
Bowel cancer screening tests could also provide an insight into whether patients are at risk of other illnesses, a new study has revealed.
17 July 2018
France is still celebrating today after its national football team brought home football's biggest prize after a thrilling final in Moscow.
14 July 2018
Too many passengers heading abroad this summer will be travelling without adequate protection for when an airline goes bust, a new study has shown.
13 July 2018
The mother of Bradley Lowery has welcomed the news that a drug used to help treat her son will soon be made available for other patients on the NHS.
12 July 2018
British GPs have prevented thousands of strokes after learning how to better identify and treat a common heart condition, research has shown.
11 July 2018
London City Airport is considering lodging an application to increase flight and passenger numbers, its boss has revealed.
10 July 2018
Captain Harry Kane is leading England's unexpected bid for glory, and is hoping to inspire the next generation of footballers by going all the way in Russia.
07 July 2018
Experts have warned that a lack of rigorous testing of skin cancer detection apps is putting the public at risk.
06 July 2018
Easyjet has added to worries that travellers are set for a summer of chaos, revealing that nearly 1,300 flights were cancelled last month.
05 July 2018
Soaring temperatures across the UK have led to a surge of asthma sufferers calling a dedicated asthma helpline, a charity has revealed.