Air Pollution's Link to Diabetes : A Startling Study

02 NOV, (VNI) A recent report in 'The Guardian' has highlighted a concerning link between inhaling high concentrations of PM2.5 particles and elevated blood sugar levels, potentially leading to a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes.
This report draws from a comprehensive seven-year study (2010-2017) involving 12,000 residents of Delhi and Chennai. Using sophisticated techniques like satellite data and air pollution exposure models, researchers accurately assessed the local air pollution levels experienced by participants. This revelation underscores the urgent need to address air quality concerns.
In light of escalating air pollution levels in Delhi, a recent study involving 12,000 residents of the city and Chennai has revealed a significant connection between inhaling toxic air and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
According to a study published in The Lancet in June of this year, a staggering 101 million individuals (constituting 11.4% of the population) are currently grappling with diabetes, with an additional 36 million classified as pre-diabetic. Moreover, urban areas in India exhibit a notably higher prevalence of diabetes compared to their rural counterparts.
The annual average PM2.5 levels in Delhi registered between 82-100μg/m3, while in Chennai they ranged from 30-40μg/m3, surpassing India's national air quality standards of 40μg/m3. This underscores the urgent need for air quality improvement initiatives.
Excessive exposure to PM2.5 particles was found to be strongly correlated with elevated blood sugar levels. The report from The Guardian revealed that for every 10μg/m3 increase in the annual average PM2.5 levels in these two cities, the risk of diabetes increased by a concerning 22%.
Dr. V. Mohan, a distinguished author of the paper, emphasized, "Until now, we had assumed that diet, obesity, and physical exercise were some of the factors explaining why urban Indians had a higher prevalence of diabetes than their rural counterparts... This study is an eye-opener."