Air pollution linked to type 2 diabetes: Report
A recent study published in the medical journal, The Lancet, has unveiled a significant correlation between air pollution and type 2 diabetes. The research indicates that 20% of type 2 diabetes cases are linked to long-term exposure to PM2.5 pollutants. These minuscule particles, produced by the combustion of oil, diesel, biomass, and gasoline, are a major contributor to urban air pollution.
Continuous exposure to PM 2.5 pollutants can increase diabetes risk
The study reveals that even brief exposure to PM2.5 pollutants can increase the risk of insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. This occurs through stimulation of the autonomic nervous system, potentially leading to cardiovascular diseases. Continuous exposure over nearly a year resulted in a 20% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with monthly exposure causing elevated blood sugar levels.
This correlation particularly pronounced among men
The correlation between air pollution and diabetes is particularly pronounced among men from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those with pre-existing health conditions. The research also discovered a connection between PM2.5 pollutants and chronic kidney disease in populations both with and without diabetes. Globally, around 537 million people have type 2 diabetes, but half of them are unaware of their condition.
India's struggle with diabetes and air pollution
In India, an estimated 77 million adults suffer from type 2 diabetes and nearly 25 million are prediabetic. The country's struggle with air pollution is well-documented, with Bihar's Begusarai identified as the world's most polluted city and Delhi recognized as the capital city with the worst air quality. Delhi has been ranked as the most polluted capital city globally four times since 2018.
India ranked third worst in terms of PM2.5 concentration
According to the World Air Quality Report 2023 by Swiss organization IQAir, India ranked third worst out of 134 countries in terms of PM2.5 concentration, with an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 54.4micrograms per cubic meter. The report also stated that an estimated 1.36 billion people in India are exposed to PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended annual guideline level of 5micrograms per cubic meter.
