Study Links Air Pollution with Diabetes in Women

Study Links Air Pollution with Diabetes in Women: Traffic-related air pollution has been shown to increase Type 2 diabetes risk in a German study of 1,775 women. The researchers analyzed data on these women, all in their mid-50s and enrolled in 1985, and compared those who lived in highly polluted industrial areas with those who lived in rural, less-polluted regions. Between 1990 and 2006, 187 of the participants were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Components of traffic pollution, especially nitrogen dioxide and soot in ambient fine particulate matter, were significantly associated with a higher Type 2 diabetes risk. Residence within 100 meters of busy roads was also found to increase the diabetes risk. Environmental Health Perspectives, May 27, 2010