Dr Manjusha Agarwal, internal medicine physician, Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai (India) - emphasized that particulate matter (PM) and toxic gases increase inflammation and oxidative stress, disrupting the balance of the endocrine system.
This causes insulin deficiency, leading to insulin sensitivity and abnormal blood sugar levels.
Insulin sensitivity is understood as how effectively the body's cells respond to insulin, a hormone needed to regulate blood sugar levels.
“Reduced insulin sensitivity or insulin resistance can lead to metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes. The World Health Organization also reports that more than 347 million people globally are affected by diabetes, with more than 80% of related deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries,” said Dr. Parjeet Kaur, Deputy Director of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Medanta Health Centre, Gurugram (India).
According to Dr Kaur, while genetics, diet and lifestyle factors are causative agents, environmental factors, especially long-term exposure to air pollution, fine particles (PM2.5) and toxic gases such as NO2 and CO are closely linked to "insulin resistance".
In addition, air pollution can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, affecting organs such as the liver and muscles, reducing the body's ability to use glucose, thereby reducing insulin sensitivity.
Air pollution may also affect other factors such as weight, blood pressure and cardiovascular function, thereby indirectly increasing the risk of insulin resistance.
Doctors recommend avoiding outdoor activities during high pollution periods, especially in areas with heavy traffic. Use a high-quality air purifier at home to minimize indoor exposure to harmful particles and endocrine disruptors.
Along with that, regular physical activity (indoors), eating a diet rich in antioxidants, and maintaining a healthy weight can counteract some of the negative effects of pollution on insulin sensitivity.
