A recent study conducted in urban Chennai and Delhi, India, sheds light on the potential health impact of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This study was published in BMJ Diabetes Research and Care by Siddhartha M. and colleagues.

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The research, focusing on 12,064 participants, establishes a temporal association between elevated PM2.5 levels and higher fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and an increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study emphasizes the significance of this association in regions with high air pollution levels like India.

The study utilized a meta-analytic approach, combining estimates from mixed-effects models and proportional hazards models in urban Chennai and Delhi. The objective was to investigate the links between ambient PM2.5 levels and diabetes-related markers, providing insights into the potential impact of air pollution on metabolic health.
A 10 μg/m3 increase in monthly average PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 0.40 mg/dL rise in FPG and a 0.021 unit increase in HbA1c. A 10 μg/m3 difference in annual average PM2.5 correlated with a 1.22 times increased risk of incident T2DM, with a non-linear exposure response.
The study offers compelling evidence of the temporal association between PM2.5 exposure and adverse metabolic effects, particularly higher FPG and an elevated risk of incident T2DM. The findings underscore the urgent need for population-based mitigation policies to address the growing burden of diabetes in regions with high air pollution levels.
These results could prompt further research and policy initiatives to mitigate air pollution in urban areas. Strategies aimed at reducing PM2.5 exposure may not only contribute to improved respiratory health but could also play a crucial role in preventing diabetes and related complications.
Reference:
Mandal, S., Jaganathan, S., Kondal, D., Schwartz, J. D., Tandon, N., Mohan, V., Prabhakaran, D., & Narayan, K. M. V. PM2.5exposure, glycemic markers and incidence of type 2 diabetes in two large Indian cities. BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care,2023;11(5):e003333. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjdrc-2023-003333