NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 13, 2016 -- Smoking 20 or more cigarettes a day increases the risk of diabetes among blacks, according to a preliminary study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2016.
Researchers studied nearly 3,000 black participants in the Jackson Heart study, who reported their smoking status. During the study, 466 people were diagnosed with diabetes. While diabetes incidence was similar among those smoking less than a pack day, past smokers and never smokers, the risk of diabetes was 62 percent higher for those smoking more than a pack a day.
"Smoking cessation should be strongly encouraged in blacks with risk factors for diabetes," researchers said. Wendy White, Ph.D., Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, Mississippi.
Statements and conclusions of study authors that are presented at American Heart Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect association policy or position. The association makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at http://www.heart.org/corporatefunding .
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