Air pollution linked to 10 to 16% higher diabetes risk: study

Long-term exposure to PM2.5 fine particulate matter is associated with a 10 to 16 percent higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes for every 10 micrograms per cubic metre increase in pollution levels, according to a study published in the Journal of Vascular Diseases. The APEX-T2D study analysed 13 prior reviews covering over 200 million cumulative participant observations across North America, Europe, East and South Asia, Latin America and Australia. The study was co-authored by Anoop Misra of Fortis C-DOC Hospital, New Delhi.

Separately, Dr Ambrish Mithal of Max Healthcare told Times Now Digital that blood sugar levels can begin to rise within a week of exposure to high PM2.5 pollution, and that the diabetes risk may exceed 20 percent. The research found consistent evidence linking air pollution to higher diabetes incidence, elevated blood sugar and metabolic complications, with implications for highly polluted regions such as South Asia.

Update, 12 November 2026: Times Now Digital, on Thursday, 12 November, quotes Dr Ambrish Mithal of Max Healthcare saying blood sugar levels can rise within a week of PM2.5 exposure, and that diabetes risk may exceed 20 percent. This expert claim adds an acute timeframe and a higher risk figure to the study published by Business Standard and Hindustan Times, which found a 10 to 16 percent risk from long-term exposure.