According to a recent British study, pollution may play a role in increasing a persons risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

The study, which was conducted at the University of Cambridge, suggests that organic pollutants known as POPs may increase insulin resistance in some individuals.

POPs, or persistent organic pollutants are chemicals that linger in the environment for long periods of time and can gradually seep and accumulate into the food chain. POPs can remain for extended periods of time in body fat and tissues.

Examples of POPs include Dichloro-Dipehnyl-Trichloroethane (DDT) which is a pesticide that was very popular in the early to mid 20th century and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) which have been used as lubricants and coolants but are now banned in the United States.

The studies authors found that individuals that had higher levels of POPs in their blood were much more likely to develop type-2 diabetes than those with lower levels. Furthermore the correlation between POPs and diabetes was stronger than the link between obesity and diabetes so that those who were thin and had high levels of POPs were more likely to develop diabetes than those who were overweight and had low levels of POPs.

Many POPs have been linked to various health effects in the past such as cancer and birth defects however this is the first study that has linked organic pollutants to an increased risk of diabetes.

Dr. Oliver Jones, one of the authors of the study, has been quick to point out that a correlation between POP levels in the blood and diabetes does not automatically imply that POPs cause diabetes but she believes further investigation is needed. According to Jones "Of course correlation does not automatically imply causation, but if there is indeed a link, the health implications could be tremendous."

The study appears in the 2008, January 26 issue of the Lancet, a leading medical journal in the United Kingdom.