In June 2019 researchers from China and the USA published their review of the medical scientific literature to provide updated estimates between long-term air pollution exposure and the incidence of diabetes type 2. A total of 30 studies were included in the review. Results showed that higher levels of air pollution were significantly associated with a higher incidence of diabetes type 2. A further analysis revealed that whilst fine particulate matter (PM2.5) significantly increased the incidence of diabetes type 2, there was no statistically significant association between particulate matter 10 (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide and diabetes type 2.
Liu F et al. Associations between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Pollut. 2019 Jun 13;252(Pt B):1235-1245