Traffic Pollution and Higher Rates of Type 2 Diabetes

Earlier studies have reported that exposure to molds or pesticides or a diet low in vitamin D are associated with higher rates of type 1 diabetes.  Type 1 diabetes involves destruction of the pancreas beta cells which make insulin.   Type 1 diabetics must get insulin for the rest of their life.  Type 1 diabetes usually begins in childhood or young adulthood.

Type 2 diabetes usually occurs later in life and causes the insulin in the body not to work properly in controlling blood sugar.  The risk of type 2 diabetes is increased by overweight, lack of exercise or eating a fiber poor diet rich in sugar, corn syrup and refined grains like white flour and white rice.  Environmental factors may also increase  risk of type 2 diabetes.   A German study of 1,775 women aged 55 years at the start of a 16 year study reported that development of type 2 diabetes was significantly  common in women exposed to high levels of outdoor air pollution and/or higher motor traffic levels.

This study by Kramer et al. is now in Press in Environmental Health Perspectives.