A new study from University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine has recently discovered that non-diabetics are also at much higher risk of heart disease and other fatal illnesses if their blood HbA1c levels are above normal.

The study, headed by Kay-Tee Khaw, M.D., appears in September 21 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.

4,662 men and 5,570 women between ages of 45 and 79 years old participated in study from 1995 to 1997, with a follow-up period to 2003.

It was discovered that for both men and women there is a strong relationship between high average blood sugar levels and cardiovascular disease. In fact, high HbA1c levels appear to be a risk factor for deaths from all causes. The study found that this is true even for people who do not have diabetes.

1. Remind Yourself Why You Quit

Every time you experience a craving remind yourself why you quit. It's excellent idea to take a blank index card and list all reasons why you decided to quit smoking. List as many as you can, more better. If necessary, take second index card. Carry them with you all time. Every time you feel urge to smoke take index card and slowly read all your reasons why you decided to stop. After you finish reading your urge will pass! (If not, read them one more time or come up with more reasons.)

2. Reward Yourself.

Make it a habit to reward yourself at end of each nonsmoking week. Think of something you want (it doesn’t have to be something expensive, a nice home made meal or hot bath will work). Take index card and write down what would you give yourself at end of week. When urge comes take a look at index card with your reward. Isn't it worth coping for 3 minutes? :)

3. Be prepared for your urges!

Get yourself prepared for urge to smoke in advance. In most cases something triggers craving (certain feelings, people, or places). You have to know what triggers urge.