(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Exposure to diesel fumes, for even a few hours, is putting diabetics at a higher risk of developing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, a UAE-based experimental study has found.
Nano Diesel Exhaust Particles (DEP) enter the blood stream of diabetic patients through the nasal/respiratory tract and cause systemic inflammation (swelling) of heart tissues and other vital organs, proves the study.
Exposure of between 24€"48 hours can have an acute effect on the patients by causing a risk of developing cardiovascular and respiratory issues, while long-term chronic effects can lead to the development of cancer cells in the human body.
Though harmful environmental particles affect healthy humans as well, the effect is greater on diabetic patients, said Prof Abderrahim Nemmar who carried out the two-year study at the UAE University's Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
The experiment was carried out on mice with Type 1 (genetically inherited) diabetes with the dose of particle exposure comparable to human exposure. According to the professor, similar international environmental studies have proved that pollutants can affect the heart and brain.
The study, that was published earlier this year in two international scientific journals Particle and Fibre Toxicology and Toxicology Letters, holds much significance for the UAE, based on the fact that the country has the world's highest number of diabetics.
"Our studies demonstrate an increase in susceptibility to the respiratory and cardiovascular effects of DEP in Type 1 diabetic mice compared to healthy ones," said Prof Nemmar. "We found that acute exposure (24 hours) of mice to DEP induced pulmonary and systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, liver dysfunction and thrombotic (clotting) events in cerebral micro vessels and that these effects were aggravated in diabetic mice."
"Upon observation, small aggregates of carbonaceous particles and a substantial amount of ultrafine (nano)-sized particles (less than 100 nanometres) were seen," he explained. "The inhaled nano-sized particles can penetrate deeply into the respiratory tract, pass into the systemic circulation and reach various organs," added the professor.Concluding from the study Professor Nemmar said that it would be advisable for diabetics to avoid peak traffic hours and extreme heat. "Face masks can be worn but even then these nano-particles get through."
"Doctors should also pass on this advice to their patients," he added.
Prof Najib Al Khaja, Secretary-General of the Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences that has sponsored the study said that the research had rung alarm bells.
"It proves that pollutants from heavy trucks that use diesel because it is cheaper than other kinds of fuel, have a bad impact on our health," he said. "The particles not only affect the lung functions but all parts of the body," he added.
"Concerted efforts are needed to reduce the air pollution with such dangerous elements either by working on reducing the rates of the consumption of diesel by using other kinds of fuel, or by reducing heavy truck traffic in the residential areas," Al Khaja said.
He also mentioned about the importance of studying the expanding usage of sustainable energy
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