Diabetes and a Changing Climate: How to Safeguard Your Health

Did you know that climate change can directly impact your health?

The 2024 World Heart Report found that climate change has contributed to the increasing number of deaths caused by diabetes, heart conditions, and obesity worldwide due to air pollution in the last decade. According to the same report, the rates of heart condition-related deaths linked to air pollution increased by as much as 27% in some places between 2010 and 2019.

Studies show that climate-related changes in weather patterns can increase particulate matter, a major air pollutant, and a harmful gas called ground-level ozone that can contribute to poor air quality and exacerbate health conditions like diabetes. Therefore, adopting a healthy and more sustainable lifestyle is crucial to protecting the environment and your well-being. Below, we look at the link between diabetes and climate change and how to safeguard your health:

Diabetes and climate change

Research published in BMC Medicine notes that certain characteristics of climate change, like heat waves and air pollution, can have consequences for people with diabetes. For instance, increasing ambient temperatures can elevate the risk of dysregulated blood glucose levels, putting diabetic patients at a higher risk of needing medical care. Air pollution caused by climate change can also heighten insulin resistance. Almost 20% of the global burden of type 2 diabetes has been potentially attributed to air pollution caused by fine particulate matter, which can increase inflammatory markers that elevate insulin resistance. Disasters exacerbated by climate change, such as typhoons and flash floods, can also reduce access to medications and primary care, negatively impacting glycemic control and diabetes management.

Here’s what you can do to mitigate the effects of climate change on your health and the planet:

Healthy, sustainable management tips for diabetics

Enroll in a weight loss program

One way to effectively manage your condition is by subscribing to a program that can help you lose weight to reduce the risks of complications. Weight management app WeightWatchers offers a weight loss program for diabetics that can be tailored to your unique needs. The personalized program lets you develop a healthier diet through the Nutrient-Dense Zero Food recommendations for weight management, with features that help you monitor your blood sugar and connect with a support group remotely. Managing your condition through the app can help reduce the need for travel, which can contribute to greenhouse gases and expose you to air pollution. You can also use their recommendations to find organic, healthy food options that can help you reduce your carbon footprint and build a sustainable, effective approach to diabetes management.

Eat more mindfully

A crucial step in managing your diabetes and preventing climate change from worsening is subscribing to an earth-friendly diet. You can opt for organic produce free from harmful chemicals that can harm your health and the environment, like organically-grown fruits and vegetables and meat from animals fed with organic feed. Studies also show that 51% of greenhouse gas emissions come from livestock farming, and cutting back on meat consumption can not only help reduce these gases but also help you manage your blood cholesterol levels, as fatty cuts of meat can be dangerous for diabetics. Mindful eating helps manage diabetes and promotes sustainability, which can benefit your health and the planet in the long run.

Engage in physical exercises

Studies show that physical activities can help lower blood glucose levels and boost your sensitivity to insulin, thus countering insulin resistance. To safeguard your health, you can download apps like Nike Training Club that provide a workout or training program to help you kickstart your fitness journey. The app has a library of workouts that can be filtered by muscle group, session length, trainers, or even by the equipment you have available. It helps you exercise equipment-free and from the comfort of your home, helping you reduce transport pollution by reducing the need to go to the gym. Additionally, try practicing healthy, sustainable daily habits like walking or cycling instead of taking a car, which can keep you moving without the need for fossil fuels.

Climate change and diabetes are more connected than you think. Following these easy and sustainable steps can help manage your condition and prevent climate change and your health from worsening in your own little ways.