Air pollution may contribute to rising cases of Type 2 diabetes, with new research highlighting a link between exposure to fine particulate matter and increased blood sugar levels.
According to a report by The Guardian, a study conducted in India’s capital, New Delhi, and the southern city of Chennai found that exposure to PM2.5 air pollution was associated with higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing diabetes.
PM2.5 refers to extremely fine particles, approximately 30 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair. These particles can travel deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Dr Dileep Rajan Prabhakaran, one of the study’s authors and a cardiologist, explained that PM2.5 particles may contain sulphates, nitrates, heavy metals and black carbon. These pollutants can damage the inner lining of blood vessels, contribute to artery stiffness and increase blood pressure. They are also associated with inflammation and effects on heart muscles.
The research forms part of a long-term study on chronic diseases in India that began in 2010. Researchers monitored 12,000 men and women in New Delhi and Chennai between 2010 and 2017, regularly measuring their blood glucose levels.
Satellite data and air pollution models were used to estimate pollution exposure in the areas where participants lived.
The findings indicated that exposure to PM2.5 over a one-month period was associated with higher blood sugar levels, while prolonged exposure over a year or longer was linked to an increased risk of diabetes.
A separate study involving the same group in Delhi also identified an association between average annual air pollution levels, higher blood pressure and an increased likelihood of hypertension.
Researchers believe PM2.5 particles may interfere with insulin production and its effectiveness in the body. They may also affect the endocrine system, which regulates hormone production.
Diabetes and high blood pressure can increase the risk of fatty deposits in arteries, heart attacks and heart failure.
The research team is now examining the potential effects of air pollution on cholesterol and vitamin D levels, as well as possible links with different stages of life and health conditions. These include birth weight, maternal health, insulin resistance among adolescents, and the risks of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Researchers have warned that the findings raise serious concerns, stressing that reducing air pollution could help lower the burden of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.