Do you know that 20% of Type 2 diabetes cases linked to air pollution exposure? As the Global Burden of Disease assessment estimated. The major culprit is the chronic exposure to PM (Particulate matter). Today Type 2 Diabetes affects several people and leads to severe conditions. It is a chronic condition that happens due to high blood sugar levels as the body cannot use insulin properly. A recent study has claimed the link is how air pollution can increase the chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Let us know how air pollution and Type 2 Diabetes are interconnected.
According to the International Diabetes Federation in 2021, around 537 million adults had Type 2 diabetes. These cases will rise to 783 million by 2045 with 75% in the low-and middle-income countries. It means Type 2 Diabetes cases are increasing each day and affecting millions.
Why Type 2 Diabetes is a concerning issue?
Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic and dangerous condition and the number of cases rapidly increasing. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that alters the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. The condition can become dangerous if left untreated and result in severe situations.
Diabetes does not just cause high sugar levels because the after-results can be severe. When the signs remain unmanageable, high blood sugar levels in the body can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes and nerves. The situation can become life-threatening.
The cases in countries like India are skyrocketing as 1 in every 4 people in India has diabetes. Besides, AQI levels in India record high levels every year as India became the third most polluted country in the world in 2024.
Is it real that air pollution exposure can result in Type 2 Diabetes?
Yes, air pollution exposure can cause Type 2 Diabetes. The Study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, (Air pollution exposure and cardiometabolic risk) shows the concerning data. Here are the findings from the study:
1. US Veterans Study:
Do you the study reported that every 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 increases 15% risk of developing Type 2 diabetes? Also, the report stated that 3.2 million diabetes cases and more than 200,000 deaths in the US are linked to air pollution.
2. Meta-Analysis Findings:
According to the study, people living in polluted areas have a 10 to 25% higher risk of developing diabetes. Also, people with high body weight and from low-income backgrounds have high chances.
3. Pregnancy Risk:
Pregnant women living in polluted areas have a high chance of developing gestational diabetes. And it can affect both the mother and child.
4. Mortality Studies:
They found that per 10 µg/m3 rise in PM2.5 increased 49% diabetes-related deaths in Canada.
But the question is How air pollution causes Type 2 diabetes?
Long and short-term air pollution exposure has different effects on the body. A study has claimed that Air pollution exposure can also lead to severe health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes. Here check the biological function of how Type 2 diabetes happens:
a. Inflammation and Insulin Resistance:
PM2.5 and other harmful pollutants affect the blood’s ability to transport oxygen and blood to the organs due to oxidative stress. It triggers inflammation in the body and results in cell damage. It affects the body’s function of insulin resistance and results in diabetes.
b. Chances of Nerve and Organ Damage:
Long-term PM2.5 exposure can increase the inflammation in different organs of the body. As it affects the adipose tissue in the body and also the heart, liver and fat cells. Hence, it disrupts the metabolism and blood sugar levels.
c. Changes in the DNA:
Inhaling pollution for the long term can affect the genes in the body that are linked to insulin production and metabolism. And it increases the chances of developing diabetes.
Who is at a high risk of developing Diabetes due to air pollution?
- People living in low-income areas:
The lack of awareness and polluted air increases their chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Besides, the lack of medical facilities can worsen the condition for them.
- Pregnant Women:
Expecting mothers and their Unborn Children have a high chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes because of air pollution exposure.
- People with High Body Weight:
Having obesity and living in high air pollution increases the chances of developing Diabetes. Obesity affects insulin resistance and inflammation in the body.
- Individuals with Preexisting conditions:
People with other health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or chronic kidney disease have a high chance of facing Type 2 Diabetes if living in polluted areas.
What can be done to control air pollution Type 2 Diabetes cases?
Government Actions:
- Stricter air pollution laws and transitioning to clean energy sources.
- Designing cities to reduce pollution, such as “15-minute cities”, where essential services are accessible without long commutes.
- The economic cost of air pollution is estimated at $8 trillion per year, about 6.1% of global GDP.
Personal Actions:
- Using air purifiers can cut indoor PM₂.₅ levels by 60%, reducing inflammation and blood pressure.
- Wearing N95 masks during high-pollution days can protect against harmful particles.
- Exercise recommendations: Staying active is important, but outdoor workouts should be avoided when pollution levels exceed 120 µg/m³.
Final Thoughts
The link between air pollution and Type 2 diabetes is clear: exposure to polluted air significantly increases the risk of developing diabetes and related complications. With millions already affected, tackling air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a public health emergency. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to reduce pollution and protect future generations from preventable diseases like diabetes.
