Work

Ambient air pollution and diabetes: a narrative review

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, has emerged as a critical environmental determinant of diabetes mellitus. This review synthesizes global epidemiological evidence linking ambient pollutant exposure to impaired glycemic control and increased risk of diabetes, emphasizing the disproportionate burden and unique vulnerabilities of populations in the Western Pacific Region (WPR). While mechanistic pathways are universal, the WPR's genetic predispositions, distinct metabolic phenotypes, rapid urbanization, and pollutant mixture profiles amplify diabetes risk, necessitating region-tailored interventions. This review also elucidates the key pathophysiological pathways, primarily oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, that underpin air pollution-induced insulin resistance. To mitigate the risks, integrated strategies encompassing health-oriented environmental governance and urban planning, individualized prevention, and AI-driven precision interventions should be prioritized. The convergence of high-resolution personal exposure tracking, longitudinal multi-omics validation of emerging mechanisms, and AI-integrated wearable systems may provide a strategic roadmap for translating scientific evidence into effective public health interventions.

Source: The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific

DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2026.101947

Authors: Lu Zhou, Huijie Zhang, Su Shi, Xia Meng, Haidong Kan

Institutions: Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital, Children's Hospital of Fudan University

Language: English

Topic: Air Quality and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,250