Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Diabetes is one of the major health challenges in the United States and worldwide. There are ~8.3 % of Americans have diabetes, with type 2 diabetes accounts for 95 % of the cases. Both human and animal studies have suggested that air pollution is an important environmental risk factor for diabetes and metabolic syndrome. However, the underlying mechanism are largely unknown. Recent studies indicate multiple system and mechanisms involved in this process. In this chapter, we will summarize both epidemiological and experimental evidence showing the promotive effect of air pollution on diabetes.