People with diabetes are more vulnerable to pollution from traffic and coal-burning power plants than are people without diabetes. Compounds in polluted air impair the function of their blood vessels, increasing their risk for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.These are the findings of researchers who studied the blood vessel function of 270 Boston-area residents exposed to various levels of pollutants in their surrounding air. They also found cardiovascular risk was greater in people with type 2 diabetes than people with type 1.
For a summary of the study:
People with Diabetes More Sensitive to Cardiovascular Effects from Air Pollution
For the study itself (abstract only, subscription required for full article):
Diabetes Enhances Vulnerability to Particulate Air Pollution–Associated Impairment in Vascular Reactivity and Endothelial Function
