Although it could be argued that PWV is predominantly a measure of large conduit arteries, which do not express Hb alpha, it integrates the interface between small arteries and resistance vessels—as, for instance, in diabetes mellitus where small vessel damage is as frequent as large.36 An additional strength of the study is that we used health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) records that were prospectively collected in order to ascertain residence in a nonmalaria zone, there being no better method of doing this in sub‐Saharan Africa. This evidence concerns the gene GSTM1 and diabetes mellitus.