TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Be careful, risk diabetes higher when living in an environment with air pollution. Thus said dr. Rudy Kurniawan, Sp.PD., from the Indonesian Association of Internal Medicine Specialists (PAPDI).
“Air pollution can increase the risk of diabetes through an increased mechanism of oxidative stress, chronic inflammation,” he said referring to research published in the journal Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism year 2019.
The founder of the Sobat Diabet Community said that pollutants can interfere with glucose and insulin metabolism, and can even interfere with body fat metabolism. The link between air pollution and diabetes risk is also strengthened by the findings of a study in the journal Lancet Planetary Health in July 2018 and Diabetes in July 2017. In her study, assistant professor from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Tanya Alderete, as quoted from Every Day Healthfound increased air pollution increased risk factors for type 2 diabetes, such as decreased insulin sensitivity and insulin production in overweight or obese children.
Pollution carries fine particles, including metals and other toxins. Some experts hypothesize that inflammation due to fine particulate matter in air pollution increases the risk type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, Alderete suspects that air pollution alters the gut in unhealthy ways and this could potentially contribute to type 2 diabetes. He asserts that air pollution alone does not cause diabetes but is a constellation of risk factors that include poor diet, lack of physical activity, plus exposure to greater environmental toxins.
Reflecting on this, it is important to maintain a healthier environment. Rudy said people are starting to be able to do something, starting from reducing plastic waste, sorting waste according to type, reducing the use of motorized vehicles, and so on.
“The point is to reduce various activities that increase global warming because these activities are a source of pollutants for the earth,” he said.
He also reminded to keep yourself healthy, ranging from choosing healthier foods, and exercising regularly 30 minutes per day up to five times a week. The importance of maintaining environmental health as a form of long-term investment in the health of oneself and future generations is also echoed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to coincide with the commemoration of World Health Day on 7 April.
Through the “Our Planet, Our Health” campaign, WHO is calling on people around the world to take more responsibility and focus on the actions needed to keep health and the planet healthy.
“The climate crisis is a health crisis,” said Director of the WHO Department of Public Health and Environment, Maria Neira.
WHO notes that about 24 percent of all global deaths are related to a healthier environment and a healthier environment can prevent these deaths. On the other hand, the COVID-19 pandemic can be a reminder of the relationship between humans and the earth.
Asthma, heart disease, lung disease skyrocketed because more than 90 percent of people breathe unhealthy air due to burning fossil fuels. On the other hand, global warming, mosquitoes spreading disease faster than ever before, plus extreme weather events, land degradation and water scarcity are becoming problems that occur and affect public health.
WHO also urges people to do something to create a healthier environment. There are several recommended steps ranging from walking, cycling, and choosing public transportation. Then, turn off the lights when not in use, avoid processed food and drinks, stop smoking, and use less plastic by making use of eco-friendly and recyclable shopping bags.
Also read: Fasting Advice for Diabetics, Just Drink and Limit Eating
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