THE Bradford Beating Diabetes campaign is urging smokers across the district to quit the habit during ‘Stoptober’ to cut the risk of developing the Type 2 form of the disease.

Smoking is proven to be an independent risk factor for diabetes and in some cases can double the risk of complications including heart disease, stroke and circulation problems.

Dr Kulpana Patel, a clinical diabetes champion, said: “It’s a simple message, if you have diabetes and you smoke, you are more likely to have serious health problems.”

The diabetes campaign is run by NHS Bradford City Clinical Commissioning Group, and has identified nearly 800 newly-diagnosed patients since it began in November last year.

Many of these patients have now been enrolled on an intensive lifestyle change programme to make sure they get appropriate treatment and support.

The 2013 Stoptober campaign saw 250,000 people across the country take part, including 1,885 from the Bradford district, with 65 per cent quitting successfully for 28 days.

To contact Bradford’s Stop Smoking service, phone 01274 437700.