Can one agarbatti a day increase diabetes risk?

Burning incense, known as agarbatti in India, is a common practice in many households during prayer, festivals, or to freshen up a space. However, a growing concern is whether this daily ritual could potentially increase the risk of diabetes. Despite numerous unverified claims on the internet, experts assert that agarbatti is not recognized as an independent risk factor for diabetes.

Dr Rajiv Kovil, a Diabetes & Obesity Specialist at Zandra Healthcare, clarifies that while there is insufficient evidence to suggest that people who burn incense develop diabetes, the broader issue lies in air pollution exposure. Chronic inhalation of fine particulate matter from combustion-related pollutants has been linked to inflammation and insulin resistance.

Nevertheless, there is no definitive proof that incense smoke directly raises blood glucose levels. The concern is more theoretical, as prolonged exposure to combustion-related pollutants may contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation, mechanisms associated with poorer insulin sensitivity. Researchers emphasize that the evidence is not strong enough to conclude that incense smoke causes diabetes.

The impact of daily exposure versus occasional use is significant; burning one incense stick in a well-ventilated room does not pose the same risk as prolonged daily exposure in an enclosed, poorly ventilated area. It is crucial to maintain good indoor air quality by keeping rooms ventilated and avoiding excessive smoke concentrations.

Even "natural" incense products can emit fine particulate matter, and there is no robust clinical evidence to label a specific fragrance or type of incense as "diabetogenic." While there is no concrete evidence linking daily agarbatti use to diabetes, people with diabetes should be cautious, as they often have underlying cardiovascular risks.

Reducing unnecessary indoor smoke exposure is a reasonable precaution for everyone, especially those with diabetes or cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.