Investigation of the Relationship Between Long-term Exposure to Toxic Air Pollutants and the Increased Risk of Diabetes

Air pollution, which has long been recognized as a tangible problem due to its harmful consequences, causes irreparable damage to human health. This study investigated the relationship between long-term exposure to toxic air pollutants and the increased risk of malignant diabetes. In this study, 800 articles were found in the initial literature review. Databases used for searching included the Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct (Scopus). In the end, 18 papers were selected. Then, all relevant studies published from 1994 to 2021 were identified. The literature showed that exposure to toxic air pollutants and their inhalation can cause complications in various organs. Chronic diabetes, caused by the reduced production of insulin by the pancreas or its failure to use it, may lead to numerous impairments and permanent effects, including amputation, renal failure, and mortality. Inhaling air pollution causes both acute and chronic heart conditions, persistent respiratory conditions, asthma episodes, neuroendocrine and immunological abnormalities, infertility, premature birth, diabetes, pulmonary, prostate, and blood malignancies, as well as mortality. This study indicates that air pollution affects pancreatic function, which can increase the probability of developing diabetes. The research also found that inhaling these substances can raise the prevalence of diabetes and have various adverse effects.