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Researchers look for link between air pollution and diabetes

Category: Diabetes

While a number of factors may contribute to a positive HbA1c test for diabetes, a group of researchers thinks that one important factor may be in the air we breathe.

A team of scientists from Michigan State University recently announced that it will study the effect of air pollution on diabetes risk, according to the Detroit Free Press. They believe that high levels of waste in the air may be one of the contributing factors to the nation's exploding diabetes rates.

Jack Harkema, who will lead the study, told the news source that the effect is likely similar to how cigarette smoke hurts cardiovascular health. While the chemicals enter through the lungs, the consequences are felt throughout the body. Air pollutants may have a similar impact in diverse areas.

Previous studies published in the journal Diabetes Care have already found an association between air pollution and diabetes. However, these investigations were carried out at the population level. The Michigan State researchers plan to see how smog and other pollutants affect individuals. Their study may help answer the question of how the air people breathe effects their metabolic health.