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 harm our metabolism.
A study by the University of Zurich and Case Western Reserve University found that long-term exposure to polluted air can damage the body's ability to control blood sugar, increasing the risk of problems like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
PM2.5 Particles and Their Effects
The researchers focused on tiny particles in the air called PM2.5, which are small enough to be breathed deep into the lungs and come from sources like car exhaust, smoke, and factory pollution.
- PM2.5 particles are emitted by cars, smoke, and factories
- These particles can be breathed deep into the lungs
Experiment on Mice
To study the effects of PM2.5, scientists conducted an experiment on mice, exposing some to clean air and others to air filled with PM2.5 for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, over 24 weeks.
Air pollution may also hurt our metabolism
Author's summary: Air pollution harms metabolism and increases diabetes risk.