Air pollution and temperature variability are associated with higher blood glucose levels

A European study has found that air pollution, particularly PM10 particles, along with higher temperatures and greater temperature variability, are associated with increased blood glucose levels in individuals who have not yet developed diabetes. This research, part of the European project EXPANSE, analyzed data from 21,259 participants across nine European cohorts, including 5,464 from GCAT.

The study, led by researchers from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and the University of Basel, identified interactions between these environmental exposures, emphasizing the importance of considering different factors together. While green spaces did not show consistent associations, the study suggests that improvements in air quality could lead to reductions in blood glucose levels, particularly in the context of climate change where warmer temperatures may have more significant effects.

The authors propose that inflammation and insulin resistance could play a role in these associations. This research underscores the importance of addressing air pollution and climate change as potential contributors to the development of diabetes, particularly in urban environments where these factors may coexist.