- Human biology evolved for active lives in natural settings with short bursts of stress
- Modern industrial environments expose us to constant low level stress and pollutants
- Evidence links this mismatch to falling fertility and rising inflammatory disease
A new review by evolutionary scientists from the University of Zurich and Loughborough University argues that the modern world demands things from our bodies that evolution never prepared us for.
The authors claim that the environments most people inhabit now are out of sync with the conditions under which our species evolved, and that this mismatch is quietly eroding both health and fertility.
For most of human history, life involved regular movement, irregular but intense stressors and rich exposure to the natural world.
People walked long distances, hunted, gathered and responded to physical threats that came and went.
By contrast, industrial societies subject people to constant noise, artificial light, air pollution, microplastics and pesticides, alongside processed foods and long periods of sitting.
The review highlights that our stress response has not changed to match this new setting.
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The same biological systems that once helped our ancestors escape predators are now activated by traffic, work emails and online arguments.
The difference is that modern stressors rarely disappear.
The body reacts as if there is always another threat around the corner and recovery time is scarce.
Health and fertility under pressure
The researchers link these environmental changes to several troubling trends. One of the most widely discussed is the global decline in sperm count and sperm motility over recent decades. Evidence suggests that exposure to pollutants including pesticides and microplastics plays a role.
At the same time, inflammatory and autoimmune conditions have become more common, along with metabolic diseases.
Although better diagnosis explains part of this rise, the authors argue that our immune system is reacting badly to the constant barrage of modern stimuli.
They describe a paradox. On one hand, industrialisation has delivered wealth, clean water and antibiotics for many people.
On the other, it appears to be undermining elements of our immune, cognitive, physical and reproductive function.
Why evolution will not fix this quickly
Biological evolution works slowly. Genetic changes that truly adapt humans to new environments generally require many thousands of years.
The modern industrial environment is only a few centuries old and many of the most disruptive exposures are even newer.
That means we cannot expect our bodies to catch up any time soon.
Instead, the authors suggest that societies must adapt cultural norms and urban planning to better align with human physiology.
They argue that nature should be treated as a core public health resource rather than a luxury.
Protecting and restoring natural spaces, redesigning cities to include more greenery and giving people places to walk, move and socialise outdoors are all presented as essential steps, not pleasant extras.
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Relevance for people with diabetes
People living with diabetes are already at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and inflammatory complications. Chronic stress, sleep disruption and sedentary routines make that risk worse.
This review reinforces advice that may already sound familiar.
Regular movement, better sleep, stress management and time outdoors are not just lifestyle extras.
They are ways of aligning daily life more closely with what our bodies are built for.
Practical steps might include daily walks in green spaces, cycling instead of short car journeys, turning off screens earlier in the evening and seeking out environments that feel calmer and more natural.
These changes will not cure diabetes, yet they can support blood glucose control and may reduce the overall burden on the body.
