David Hockney asks: "Is there a link between the decline of smoking and the rise of obesity and diabetes?" (Letters, 2 May). I have been wondering this myself ever since I stopped smoking in 2009 and was diagnosed as Type 2 diabetic within four months.
It seemed quite a coincidence that my partner, also a long-term smoker, had given up in 2003 and had been similarly diagnosed within six months. We also have a friend who had a similar experience last year. It seems recent research suggests former long-term smokers can in the short-term, after smoking cessation, be at a 70% greater risk of developing the disease than their non-smoking peers. Although certain medical professionals have tried to discredit this conclusion, responsible commentaries sensibly suggest those wishing to give up smoking should get their doctor’s advice on what precautions to take to try preventing the onset of this life-threatening condition.
Richard Humphry
Stockport, Cheshire
This is a question that deserves an answer, however, we feel confident that no studies will ever be done on this subject because it would defeat the purpose of the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation.
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