Being exposed to second-hand smoke can increase a person's chances of developing diabetes, scientists in the United States say.
While passive smoking has long been associated with a heightened risk of certain forms of cancer, this latest study from a team at the Diabetes Centre of the Massachusetts General Hospital suggests that being exposed to someone else's cigarette smoke increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The team, which was led by Harvard Medical School academic Dr David Nathan, based its conclusion on the data of more than 100,000 women recorded for a separate study carried out in 1982.
Notably, the figures suggested that the more a person is exposed to second-hand smoke, the greater their risk of developing diabetes, with ex-smokers particularly likely to get this new health problem.
Speaking to Reuters Health, Dr Nathan explained that, while a firm link between the two has yet to be established, this research shows a clear association.
He added, however, that people hardly need another reason not to smoke.
This comes as George Michael has called on his Twitter followers to help him quit smoking for good.