20% Type 2 Diabetes Cases Linked To Air Pollution, Says Lancet Study

20% of Type-2 Diabetes Cases Linked to Air Pollution: Lancet Study

In 2022, India was ranked as the eighth most polluted country.

Prolonged exposure to polluted air with PM 2.5 particulate matter, which is 30 times thinner than a strand of hair, can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.

A study conducted by Lancet, a leading medical journal, highlights that 20% of type 2 diabetes cases are linked to chronic exposure to PM 2.5 pollutants. These fine pollutants are emitted from oil, diesel, biomass, and gasoline combustion. This study has significant implications in India due to the increasing pollution levels and the exposure of a large population to harmful air.

The Lancet Study

The PM 2.5 pollutant, often referred to as a killer, is a major component of air pollution in urban areas. The study suggests that short-term exposure to PM 2.5 increases the risk of insulin resistance by triggering the autonomic nervous system, which is a pathway towards cardiovascular diseases.

The study found that monthly exposure to PM 2.5 pollutants led to an increase in blood sugar levels, while prolonged exposure (almost a year) led to a 20% increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes.

The link between air pollution and diabetes is higher in men from lower socioeconomic groups and those with comorbidities. Evidence suggests that PM2.5 is associated with chronic kidney disease in populations both with and without diabetes.

Around 537 million people suffer from type 2 diabetes, and half of them are unaware that they have the condition.

Meanwhile, in India, an estimated 77 million people above the age of 18 years are suffering from type 2 diabetes, and nearly 25 million are prediabetic (at a higher risk of developing diabetes in the future), according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Polluted Air in Indian Cities

Bihar’s Begusarai emerged as the world’s most polluted metropolitan area, while Delhi was identified as the capital city with the poorest air quality, according to the World Air Quality Report. Delhi has been ranked as the most polluted capital city in the world four times since 2018.

With an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter, India had the third worst air quality out of 134 countries in 2023, following Bangladesh (79.9 micrograms per cubic meter) and Pakistan (73.7 micrograms per cubic meter), as stated in the World Air Quality Report 2023 by Swiss organization IQAir.

In 2022, India was ranked as the eighth most polluted country with an average PM2.5 concentration of 53.3 micrograms per cubic meter.

It is estimated that 1.36 billion people in India experience PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended annual guideline level of 5 micrograms per cubic meter, according to the report.

– With inputs from PTI

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.4: Number of deaths attributed to air pollution and related diseases.
• Indicator for SDG 11.6: Ambient air pollution levels (e.g., PM2.5 concentrations) in urban areas.
• Indicator for SDG 13.1: Average annual PM2.5 concentration in different cities or regions.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Based on the article, the issues highlighted are connected to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The specific targets identified under these SDGs are SDG 3.4, SDG 11.6, and SDG 13.1. SDG 3.4 aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, through prevention and treatment. SDG 11.6 focuses on reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities, particularly air quality. SDG 13.1 aims to strengthen resilience to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.

The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets. For SDG 3.4, the indicator is the number of deaths attributed to air pollution and related diseases. For SDG 11.6, the indicator is ambient air pollution levels, specifically PM2.5 concentrations in urban areas. For SDG 13.1, the indicator is the average annual PM2.5 concentration in different cities or regions.

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Fuente: ndtv.com

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