How Air Pollution Drives Obesity and Diabetes
Air pollution is known to be detrimental to our lungs and heart, but recent research suggests it may also negatively impact our metabolism.
A study conducted by the University of Zurich and Case Western Reserve University found that prolonged exposure to polluted air can damage the body's ability to control blood sugar, potentially increasing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Methodology
Researchers focused on tiny particles in the air, known as PM2.5, which are small enough to be breathed deep into the lungs and come from sources such as car exhaust, smoke, and factory pollution.
- Car exhaust
- Smoke
- Factory pollution
Experiment
The 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.