People with diabetes are sensitive to pollution

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A new study shows that those with diabetes experience a problem with their blood vessels on days when environmental pollution is high.
We already know that people with diabetes are more likely to be admitted to hospital with heart problems on days when pollution levels are increased. Now scientists at the University of Michigan and elsewhere reveal why this may be. They looked at a group of 270 residents of Boston and divided them into those who actually had diabetes and those that had a family history of the disease.

Using a form of ultrasound, they showed that the ability of the blood vessels to control blood flow was impaired among the diabetics when levels of sulfate and black carbon particles were higher. It's not clear why this should be, but shows the importance of reducing air pollution for those with chronic health problems, such as diabetes.

Source
Circulation June 2005