While poor dietary habits and an unbalanced lifestyle have long been considered the primary causes of diabetes, air pollution is increasingly emerging as a significant factor in the development of the disease.
According to the ‘Apex T2D’ study, long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in the air can elevate the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Anoop Misra (Padma Shri recipient), Executive Chairman and Director of the Fortis C-DOC Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences, and Dr. Yashendra Sethi of Swami Vivekananda Subharti University, Meerut, note that for every 10-microgram-per-cubic-meter increase in PM 2.5 exposure, the risk of developing the condition can rise by approximately 10 to 16 percent.
PM 2.5 particles penetrate deep into the lungs, and some even enter the bloodstream. These particles trigger inflammation and oxidative stress within the body, which can damage mitochondria (the cellular structures responsible for energy production), the inner lining of blood vessels, and the nervous system. Furthermore, they interfere with insulin signaling in the liver, muscles, adipose (fat) tissue, and the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Consequently, the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels may gradually weaken.
The study indicates that this impact is particularly pronounced in South Asia, a region characterized by high pollution levels and a rising incidence of diabetes. In India, more than 100 million (10 crore) people suffer from diabetes, while approximately 136 million (13.6 crore) more are at risk of developing it.
The ‘Apex T2D’ study, which incorporates data up to May 2026, analyzed 13 major reviews encompassing data from 2 billion (200 crore) participants worldwide. In addition to Dr. Mishra and Dr. Sethi, the research team included Dr. Neerja Kaka from St. Vincent Hospital (USA), Dr. Saurabh Singla and Dr. Manvi Vasudev from Subharti Medical College (Meerut), and Prof. Giuseppe Biondi-Zoccai from IRCCS Maria Cecilia Hospital (Italy).
How to keep yourself safe
Avoid exercising outdoors or spending long periods outside when pollution levels are high. Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) daily, and wear an N-95 mask if you must go out in poor air quality. Use an air purifier at home and ensure proper ventilation. Focus on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. Individuals with pre-diabetes, diabetes, or a family history of these conditions should get their blood sugar levels checked regularly.
