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Health news - Passive smoking could raise risk of developing type 2 diabetes14 April 2006 - written by Alexander Whitehead for BUPA's health information team Breathing in other people's smoke increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online this month by the British Medical Journal.1 The study revealed for the first time the link between passive smoking and the onset of glucose intolerance - an early warning sign of type 2 diabetes. How was the study carried out?Researchers in the US examined 4572 men and women in various cities. All were aged between 18 and 30 and were either white or Afro-Caribbean. They were divided into four categories - those who smoked, those who used to smoke, those who didn't smoke but were passive smokers, and those who were neither smokers nor passive smokers. Participants were monitored over a 15-year period to see how many of them developed glucose intolerance - where the body can no longer produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar.1 What did the study show?The study showed that the participants who smoked were the most at risk of developing glucose intolerance - 22% of them did. Of those participants who had neither smoked nor been exposed to second-hand smoke, only 12% developed glucose intolerance. 17% of those who had never smoked but were subject to the effects of passive smoking developed the condition. Perhaps surprisingly, this was higher than the 14% risk rate for those passive smokers who had previously smoked but then given up.1 Are different groups in the population more at risk?The study showed that, overall, white adults were more susceptible to the risks than black adults. However, the study only looked at young adults (from two ethnic groups) in four cities and from one country (the US), so further studies may be needed. Why does second-hand smoke increase the risk of diabetes?Passive smokers are exposed to many toxins, say the authors. Some of those toxins may exist in a more 'concentrated' form in second-hand smoke than in smoke breathed in directly by smokers. It's possible that one of these toxins particularly affects the pancreas - the organ that produces insulin. If this is the case, it may help to explain the study's findings.1 What did the researchers conclude?The authors concluded that active and passive smoking both play a role in the development of glucose intolerance in young adults. However, the risks associated with passive smoking were of particular concern.1 What other health risks are associated with breathing in second-hand smoke?You have an increased risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease when you are exposed to second-hand smoke. Around 2700 people in the UK between the ages of 20 and 64 die each year from breathing in other people's smoke in their own homes. That figure rises to 8000 deaths for people over the age of 65. Two people die each day in the UK from the effects of smoking in the workplace.2 Babies and young children exposed to smoke are more prone to developing chest, ear, nose and throat infections - and more serious conditions like pneumonia. Children who are regularly exposed to cigarette smoke are three times more likely to develop lung cancer later in life.3 Is second-hand smoke worse than smoking itself?Although the health risks to an individual passive smoker are small when compared to those faced by an active smoker, the public-heath consequences of passive smoking are significant. This is because a large number of people are exposed to cigarette smoke.2 A smoker only inhales 15% of a cigarette's smoke - the rest goes into the surrounding air.3 How can people avoid second-hand smoke?Start by trying to avoid public venues that permit smoking. There are an increasing number of smoke-free pubs, restaurants, hotels and cafes, so do a little research before you go out.4 Workplaces are under a legal duty to protect the health of their employees, yet over 3 million non-smokers are exposed to smoke at work. If your workplace doesn't operate a no-smoking policy, talk to your boss and suggest a re-think.5 In terms of people smoking in your home, you're in control - ask them to smoke outside. How many people suffer from diabetes in the UK?More than 2 million people in the UK have diabetes that is known about. However, it's thought that at least another million are undiagnosed. Both in the UK and abroad, the number of people with diabetes is increasing fast.6 What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?Type 1 diabetes develops in the body when it cannot produce any insulin. It commonly develops before the age of 40, often during puberty. Between 1 in 10 and 1 in 20 people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.6 Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can produce some insulin, but not enough. It can also develop if the insulin that is produced does not work properly. More than 3 in 4 people with diabetes have this type. It most commonly affects people over the age of 40. However, it can develop earlier amongst South-Asian and Afro-Caribbean people. Also, a growing number of children are developing the condition, which is linked to obesity.6 What are the symptoms of diabetes?There are a number of symptoms that may indicate diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops slowly and symptoms tend not to be very noticeable. Symptoms can include:7
If type 2 diabetes is not diagnosed, you may also get the following symptoms:7
What is the treatment for diabetes?Keeping your blood-glucose levels as close to normal as possible is the best way to manage diabetes. Watching your diet and taking regular exercise is important.7 For people with type 1 diabetes, you will usually need to take regular insulin injections - usually three times a day. Some people use an insulin pump that works continuously. You may also need to measure your blood-glucose levels three or four times each day. For people with type 2 diabetes, a good diet and exercise regime may be sufficient to treat the condition. If you are obese, losing weight can treat diabetes. However, the chances are you'll need to take diabetes tablets. If they don't work, you may need to take insulin. Your doctor will advise and monitor you. BUPA Information:BUPA factsheet: Giving up smoking BUPA factsheet: Diabetes (type 1) BUPA factsheet: Diabetes (type 2) Further information:NHS Smoking Helpline Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Diabetes UK References
All pages were accessed on 14/04//06
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