Breathing polluted air for several years may increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to new research. Air pollution is already known to affect the lungs and heart, but studies now suggest that its impact may also reach the body's bone marrow and affect bone health. Researchers found that exposure to fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, may worsen the effects of diabetes. The findings are important for countries like India, where both air pollution and diabetes are major public health concerns.
India Faces a Double Health Challenge
The findings are particularly relevant for India, where more than 100 million people are already living with diabetes. As winter approaches, several cities in North India also begin experiencing heavy smog containing fine particles. One major research review combined findings from 13 earlier studies involving more than 200 million people worldwide. The review was published on October 27 in a journal focusing on vascular diseases. It examined the connection between long-term exposure to air pollution and the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Animal Study Reveals Damage to Bone Marrow
A separate study by researchers at Jeonbuk National University in South Korea has explored how pollution may affect people with diabetes. Published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, the research exposed healthy and diabetic mice to artificial PM2.5 particles under conditions designed to resemble outdoor air. Researchers found that pollution accelerated the ageing of bone marrow stem cells in diabetic mice. These cells are important because they help produce blood cells and repair bones. Their reduced ability to function could affect the body's natural repair system.
How Pollution Affects Bone Marrow
The researchers linked the damage to an inflammation-related mechanism in the lungs. Blocking this inflammatory process significantly reduced the harmful effects observed in the study. The findings suggest that diabetes and exposure to fine particles may work together, increasing damage to the body's stem cells. Although the experiment was conducted on mice, it offers clues about why people with diabetes may be more vulnerable to the health effects of polluted air.
PM2.5 Increase Raises Diabetes Risk
The larger research review found a clear link between rising PM2.5 pollution levels and the risk of Type 2 diabetes. According to the findings, every increase of 10 units in fine particulate matter concentration was associated with a 10% to 16% rise in diabetes risk. This pattern was observed among populations in both Asian and Western countries. Researchers also found links between exposure to these particles, higher fasting blood sugar levels and an increase in deaths related to diabetes.
Why the Findings Matter for India
The research was conducted by medical experts from institutions in Dehradun, Meerut, Delhi and other locations, with Dr Yashendra Sethi among the researchers. The findings highlight that air pollution may have effects beyond respiratory and heart-related illnesses. For people living with diabetes, long-term exposure to PM2.5 could add to existing health risks. The studies underline the importance of reducing air pollution and understanding its wider impact on blood sugar control, bone marrow and overall health.
