If you needed another reason to quit smoking, researchers say they have found another link between smoking and poor cardiovascular health.



In a study presented at a national conference of the Endocrine Society, researchers showed that nicotine promotes insulin resistance, a pre-diabetic condition that raises blood glucose levels in otherwise healthy people. The study helps solve a paradox that has existed, in which smoking tends to be associated with weight loss, which is often associated with protection against high blood glucose levels. But scientists have noted for many years the higher rate of diabetes and pre-diabetes among smokers.