Background <p>Due to climate change, environmental factors influencing risk and progression of diabetes are gaining increasing importance. This paper summarizes the empirical evidence regarding the relationship between heat, particulate matter, noise and diabetes mellitus.</p> Research question <p>What empirical evidence is currently available on the relationship between heat, particulate matter, and noise and the risk as well as progression of diabetes?</p> Materials and methods <p>Studies and results were selected and summarized in the form of a&#xa0;narrative overview.</p> Results <p>Heat, particulate matter, and noise are associated with short-term increases in diabetes-related mortality and morbidity. One meta-analysis found that diabetes-related mortality is increased by 18% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13;25%) during heatwaves. Concerning long-term effects, one German study found that an increase in coarse particulate matter by 3.8 μg/m³ was associated with a&#xa0;25% (95% CI: 2;53%) increased risk of type&#xa0;2 diabetes. Traffic noise exposure also seems to increase the risk of type&#xa0;2 diabetes, while there is little evidence that air temperature is associated with diabetes risk.</p> Conclusion <p>The short- and long-term effects of environmental factors on the development and progression of diabetes are partially well established, although significant research gaps remain.</p>