Dr Ambrish Mithal Says Air Pollution Is a Recognised Environmental Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes

Dr Ambrish Mithal, Group Chairman and Head of Endocrinology and Diabetology at Max Healthcare, has warned that air pollution is a significant environmental risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. His remarks come as Delhi continues to experience hazardous air quality, with the overall AQI reaching 482 on Thursday morning.

Mithal cited Indian studies linking exposure to PM2.5 particles with increased cases of diabetes and high blood pressure. He said even a month's exposure to fine particulate matter can raise blood sugar levels, while prolonged exposure may increase diabetes risk by around 22%. Explaining the health impact, he said fine pollutants can enter the bloodstream through the lungs, causing inflammation, damaging blood vessels and affecting insulin production and function. This can contribute to insulin resistance, hypertension and cardiovascular problems.

According to CPCB data, seven Delhi monitoring stations recorded AQI levels above 400. Punjabi Bagh reported the highest reading at 446, followed by Narela (434), Rohini (431) and RK Puram (416), highlighting the severity of the capital's pollution crisis.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.