In the U.S., Hispanic/Latino populations bear a disproportionate burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its complications. Research suggests that poor air quality may have an influence on progression of T2D.

We compared HbA1c levels in Hispanic/Latino (95% Mexican-origin) adults with T2D by exposure to particulate matter <2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5).

HbA1c levels were measured on 101 participants (54±12 years, 65% female, 25% insulin users, 60% uninsured, 40% food insecure). A third (36%) had an HbA1c <7.0% and 30% >9.0%. We matched HbA1c with California Air Resource Board (CARB) air pollution records to create a regression model relating HbA1c to average ambient PM2.5 concentration with participant zip codes 14 days prior to HbA1c measurement. PM2.5 exposure was stratified as “high” or “low,” (> or < 12 µg/m³ annual CARB standard PM2.5 concentration), controlling for other PM2.5-correlated factors (location, year and month fixed effects).

Figure 1 shows regression-adjusted mean [95% CI] HbA1c for low (N=85) and high exposure individuals (N=16) and estimated difference between groups (2.2%, p<0.05). Individuals with high PM2.5 exposure had higher HbA1c levels than those with lower exposure.

Air pollution exposure should be considered as an independent factor impacting glycemic control in Hispanic/Latino adults with T2D.

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Disclosure

N.M. Glantz: Research Support; Self; Abbott, Eli Lilly and Company. O. Deschenes: None. D. Kerr: Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi-Aventis. Research Support; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Glooko, Inc.

Funding

Eli Lilly and Company (2017-5864)

© 2020 by the American Diabetes Association
2020
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