An unexpected bedroom tool could help stabilize blood sugar: study

A sham-controlled trial presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions found that running a HEPA air purifier in the bedroom at night reduced daily blood sugar swings by nearly 8% in adults with prediabetes. Researchers recruited 150 men and women with prediabetes living in New York City who did not have atherosclerosis. Half used a real HEPA purifier for a month while the other half used a device with a sham filter; neither participants nor the main research team knew which type had been assigned. The working filters reduced concentrations of PM2.5 — fine airborne particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or less — by an average of 36%, according to Diabetes.co.uk. After a month, participants using the real HEPA purifiers saw a nearly 8% drop in daily blood sugar swings. Overall, the total extra glucose in their blood after eating breakfast fell by about 17% on average, and their peak blood sugar levels after breakfast dropped by 13%, Prevention reported. Lead study author Sharine Wittkopp, M.D., Ph.D., a cardiologist at NYU Langone, said air pollution is linked with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and that reducing exposure with an air purifier "is a tool we can use to lessen both of these conditions." She explained that air pollution can change the way cells respond to insulin and reduce the body's ability to use blood sugar effectively, adding, "Air pollution causes blood sugar to stay higher, longer." Richard Siegel, M.D., co-director of the Diabetes and Lipid Center at Tufts Medical Center, said purer air may reduce inflammation that worsens insulin resistance, allowing the body to process blood sugar more easily. The study is the first randomized trial to test whether reducing indoor air pollution improves blood sugar control in adults, according to the researchers. However, Diabetes.co.uk noted the results were presented at a conference rather than published as a complete peer-reviewed paper, so independent specialists have not been able to examine the complete methods, statistical analyses, missing data and secondary outcomes. The trial does not yet explain which biological mechanisms produced the reported glucose changes, and effects may differ according to local pollution, housing, ventilation and time spent in the bedroom. Both doctors stressed that an air purifier should not be the only strategy for blood sugar management. "As part of holistic diabetes care, it could be helpful in addition to optimal nutrition, optimal physical activity, optimal sleep, stress reduction and medication where needed," Dr. Siegel said. Dr. Wittkopp recommended choosing a purifier with a HEPA filter and noted there are no appreciable side effects.