ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES AND TYPE 2 DIABETES: EVIDENCE, BIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS AND RESEARCH PRIORITIES

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is influenced not only by genetic, behavioural and clinical factors but also by broader environmental conditions. This study looks at how things like air pollution, farm chemicals, toxic pollutants, heavy metals and climate change impact the risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes. The reviewed literature suggests possible associations between T2D and air pollution, agricultural or occupational exposures, environmental factors but findings vary by exposure and human population. Evidence presented that several exposures may contribute to insulin resistance, beta-cell dysfunction, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and altered metabolic regulation. However, it's hard to understand the effects of these ecological factors because they can be complex and varied. The study suggests that these external substances can disrupt the body's metabolic systems. To make progress, future research needs to focus on diverse groups of people, use standardized measures of exposure and track interventions consistently to improve prevention and treatment outcomes.