How Air Pollution Drives Obesity and Diabetes
Air pollution is known to be detrimental! to our lungs and heart, but recent findings suggest it may also negatively impact our metabolism.
A study conducted by the University of Zurich and Case Western Reserve University reveals that prolonged exposure to polluted air can damage the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, potentially increasing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
PM2.5 Particles and Their Effects
Researchers focused on tiny particles in the air, known as PM2.5, which are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs. These particles originate from sources such as car exhaust, smoke, and factory pollution.
- Car exhaust
- Smoke
- Factory pollution
Experimental Findings
To investigate the effects of PM2.5, scientists conducted an experiment on mice, exposing some to clean, filtered air and others to air filled with PM2.5 for six hours a day, five days a week, over a period of 24 weeks.
Author's summary: Air pollution affects metabolism, increasing diabetes risk.