New research has linked smoking cessation with an increased short-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A study published in The Annals of Internal Medicine found that people who quit smoking had a 70 percent increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the first six years without cigarettes as compared to people who never smoked.

The risks were highest in the first three years after quitting and returned to normal after 10 years.

Researchers who conducted the study at Johns Hopkins say they suspect the elevated diabetes risk is related to the extra pounds people typically put on after quitting smoking and caution that no one should use the study’s results as an excuse to keep smoking, which is also a risk factor for lung disease, heart disease, strokes and many types of cancer.

"The message is: Don’t even start to smoke," says study leader Dr Hsin-Chieh "Jessica" Yeh. "If you smoke, give it up. That’s the right thing to do. But people have to also watch their weight."

Cigarette smoking is a well-known risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

According to the Mayo Clinic, eating healthy, getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are the best ways to prevent the condition. Some studies have found that nutritional supplements containing chromium and cinnamon may benefit blood sugar control in diabetics.