You may not think of air pollution as a risk factor for some health conditions. However, researchers estimate that it causes 7 million deaths worldwide, from heart disease to stroke to lung cancer. It can also increase your risk for diabetes.
Because of the pancreas’ purpose in blood sugar regulation, it can affect the entire body. Complications include kidney disease, glaucoma, and skin infections. That makes the role of air pollution more profound.
Impacts of Air Pollution
All air pollution is harmful, but PM2.5 or particulate matter under 2.5 microns is the worst. Its minute size allows it to penetrate farther into your respiratory system. That can have a direct impact on lung function and increase your risk of Covid-19 complications. Its other health effects are far-reaching.
Obesity is a significant risk factor for diabetes. If you find it hard to breathe outdoors because of air pollution, it can affect how often you exercise and, thus, your weight.
The ramifications don’t end there.
Diabetes can impair your cognitive function because of its influence on your blood sugar or glucose. The average human brain makes up about 2 percent of an individual’s total weight. Yet, it uses about 20 percent of your body’s glucose supply, which fuels its functionality.
It’s no wonder that irritability and fatigue are classic symptoms of this chronic health condition.
Getting a Handle on Air Quality
No indoor space is entirely impervious to the outdoor air—and its pollutants. That’s why a multi-faceted approach works best to improve your indoor air quality (IAQ) and reduce your level of risk.
Getting clean air into your indoor space by opening the windows is a quick fix for poor IAQ as long as the PM2.5 levels are low outside. Pollutants from cooking, cleaning products, and off-gassing of home furnishings build up over time. That’s makes it a risk factor for people who spend most of their time indoors.
Using a UVC light is an effective way to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Chronic health conditions and long-term air pollution exposure can cause inflammation, which also affects your diabetes risk.
Running a HEPA filter is another excellent solution for improving IAQ. It can get rid of other sources of PM2.5 pollution, such as pollen, mold, dust, and other particles down to 0.3 microns with effectiveness of 99.97 percent.
Final Thoughts
Improving your IAQ is a vital step toward better health and a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes. Fortunately, there are several things you can do today that can put you in charge. While you can’t eliminate all pollutants, you can handle the ones that can have the greatest impact on your well-being.
