Correlation Between Air Pollution And Diabetes – What We Should Know

Air pollution is a major cause of insulin resistance and the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The association between air pollution and diabetes is stronger for traffic-related pollutants, air, nitrogen dioxide, tobacco smoke and particulate matter.Also Read – Diabetes: 5 Healthy Detox Drink Recipes to Maintain Blood Sugar Levels

Exposure to air pollutants is significantly associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is suggested that environmental protection authorities should take high priority measures to reduce air pollution, thereby reducing the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Some of the primary reasons are –

1. Burning of fossil fuels – Inhaling air contaminated with pollutants due to natural gas and fossil fuel burning reduces the heart’s ability to pump enough oxygen, causing a person to suffer from respiratory disease.
2. Industrial pollution – The effects of industrial pollution on your health can range from irritation in your eyes and throat to breathing problems, which can often lead to chronic illness.
3. Transportation – Open burning of solid waste – Open burning of solid waste can cause serious health risks including cancer, liver problems, immune system impairment and reproductive functions; May also affect the developing nervous system.
4. Agricultural activity – Nowadays, for rapid growth of crops and vegetation, pesticides and fertilizers are mixed with new invasive species that are not found in nature. Once it is sprayed, the odor and pesticide effect remain in the air. Some get mixed with water and some get into the soil which not only destroys crops but also causes numerous health related problems.

We can prevent air pollution by taking air pollution control measures. Air pollution can be reduced only with collective efforts of all.

Some steps are –

• Use of filters in chimneys
• Avoid fireworks
• Reduce the use of chemicals
• Plant more trees
• Avoid burning plastic
• Recycle and reuse products

Air pollution has been found to be a major cause of diabetes

Long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution may decrease insulin-dependent glucose uptake, leading to insulin resistance, impairing β-cell function, resulting in decreased insulin secretion, and promoting subcutaneous fat accumulation. Most of the studies conducted to determine the association of diabetes with air pollution were on pollutant emissions from cars, trucks, and diesel exhaust.

A diet rich in fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids helps improve blood sugar levels and lipids. People with diabetes should consume certain fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, trout, which are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. For those who are vegetarian, plant-based sources such as kelp and spirulina would be a good option.

– By KT Alfie