Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 8, 125–133 (2020)

For those with type 2 diabetes, quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular complications, even if there is subsequent weight gain.

Quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and is particularly important for those with type 2 diabetes. However, smoking cessation is often followed by weight gain, and it is unclear if this can negatively affect any health benefits.

Liu and colleagues analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study and found that smoking cessation without subsequent weight gain reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in smokers with type 2 diabetes. In those with type 2 diabetes who gained weight after they quit smoking, there was still benefit with respect to cardiovascular disease mortality.