Kids who are exposed to air pollution while in the womb of their mother have higher chances of having high blood sugar levels during their childhood compared to those who are not exposed. The study further suggests particle pollution could be a risk factor for diabetes.

The study, which focussed on PM 2.5, included 365 children in Mexico City who were exposed to average daily 2.5 PM levels of 22.4 micrograms per cubic meter of air while they were in the womb, far above 12 mcg limit. Researchers measured the children’s haemoglobin A1c levels over about three months.

From about age of 5 until about 7, kids’ average level of exposure to PM 2.5 in the womb was associated with 0.25% larger annual increase in HbA1c levels than would be expected with fine particulate matter exposure within regulatory limits.