Pollution is bad for our health in so many ways, but you may be surprised to know that it’s also bad in the context of diabetes. While we usually think of diabetes as a disease of genetics and/or nutrition the environment and the air we breathe can also impact the development and progression of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Numerous studies over the past 20 years have investigated the connection between air pollution and diabetes both in the U.S. and in other countries. They’ve found that exposure to air pollution can contribute to the onset of diabetes and can cause health complications for those who already have diabetes. In my newest piece for Diabetes Daily, I explore the impact of particulate exposure to diabetes risks and to the health of those who already have both type 1 and type 2 diabetes—as well as how to minimize pollution exposure.