Particulate pollution raises the risk of heart problems for diabetic patients.Tiny particles called PM10s, an important component of atmospheric pollution, are known to cause both respiratory and heart problems. Researchers in the US looked at Medicare data for Cook County Illinois for 1988 to 1994 and have uncovered a link between PM10 exposure and heart problems in people with diabetes.
PM10s increase the risk of heart rate variability , thrombosis, and inflammation. The data show that the risk is doubled when you have diabetes. It's possible that pollution exposure and diabetes affect the same pathways to heart disease and when both are present the risk is compounded. But people with diabetes were not at any extra risk of PM10-induced respiratory symptoms. The message is that people with diabetes should check pollution reports and be wary on days when particulate exposure is likely to be high.
