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New research links air pollution to an increased risk of diabetes, according to a study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs (VA) St. Louis Health Care System. Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases, affecting many people across the globe. Eating unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity are the major cause of diabetes The new research indicates that outdoor air pollution plays a role.
An increased risk, even at low levels of air pollution currently considered safe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) increases the risk. Evidence shows that current levels are still not sufficiently safe. To examine outdoor air pollution, the researchers looked at particulate matter, airborne microscopic pieces of dust, dirt, smoke, soot and liquid droplets.
Previous studies have found that such particles can enter the lungs and invade the bloodstream, contributing to major health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and kidney disease. In diabetes, pollution is thought to reduce insulin production and trigger inflammation, preventing the body from converting blood glucose into energy that the body needs to maintain health.
Researchers analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease study, which is conducted annually with contributions from researchers worldwide. The data estimated annual cases of diabetes and healthy years of life lost due to pollution. They also found that the overall risk of pollution-related diabetes is tilted more toward lower-income countries such as India that lack the resources for environmental mitigation systems and clean-air policies.
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