Of all the myriad variables that increase one’s risk for developing type 2 (adult onset) diabetes — smoking, being overweight, having a larger waistline — air pollution is not one we usually think of. But newer studies are suggesting environmental risk factors for diabetes: A new one finds that living in an area with more traffic pollution could increase one’s risk, particularly in people who are healthier to begin with. [...]

The link was “borderline significant,” according to the researchers. It was, however, stronger for people who were in better overall health, and for women. For example, in non-smokers who lived in high pollution areas, the risk for diabetes rose to 12 percent. A 10 percent increase in risk was found for physically active people. (via.)

Tags: diabetes, pollution