Associations between long-term exposure to air pollution, diabetes, and hypertension in metropolitan Iran: an ecologic study

ABSTRACT

Epidemiological studies on air pollution, diabetes, and hypertension conflict. This study examined air pollution, diabetes, and hypertension in adults in 11 metropolitan areas of Iran (2012-2016). Local environment departments and the Tehran Air Quality Control Company provided air quality data. The VIZIT website and Stepwise Approach to Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance study delivered chronic disease data. Multiple logistic regression and generalized estimating equations evaluated air pollution-related diabetes and hypertension. In Isfahan, Ahvaz, and Tehran, PM_2.5 was linked to diabetes. In all cities except Urmia, Yasuj, and Yazd, PM_2.5 was statistically related to hypertension. O₃ was connected to hypertension in Ahvaz, Tehran, and Shiraz, whereas NO₂ was not. BMI and gender predict hypertension and diabetes. Diabetes, SBP, and total cholesterol were correlated. Iran's largest cities' poor air quality may promote diabetes and hypertension. PM_2.5 impacts many cities' outcomes. Therefore, politicians and specialists have to control air pollution.

KEYWORDS:

• Air pollution
• diabetes mellitus
• hypertension

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The present project was financially funded by grant number 1400-1-2-20017 from Iran University of Medical Sciences.