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New study links smoking to increased diabetes risk

Category: Diabetes

Individuals who have spent a lot of time around cigarette smoke may benefit from HbA1c testing for diabetes. A new study published in the journal Diabetes Care has shown that even second hand smoke can increase a person's risk of developing the metabolic disease.

Several previous studies have connected air pollution, and in particular cigarette smoke, to increased diabetes risk. However, the new investigation is among the first to show that passive smoking can also make diabetes more likely.

For the study, researchers from Brigham and Women's analyzed data collected from more than 100,000 women over a 24-year period. This information showed that women who smoked more than 25 cigarettes per day were nearly twice as likely to develop diabetes.

Furthermore, those who were around cigarettes but never actually smoked were also at greater risk. Those who were regularly in the presence of someone who smoked were 16 percent more likely to become diabetic.

The researchers wrote in their report that their findings add to the growing body of evidence connecting smoking to diabetes and that individuals should consider quitting to reduce their risk.