8 Chemicals that Trigger Diabetes

Although diabetes is a condition that is more often associated with an unhealthy diet and lifestyle, it turns out that exposure to chemicals can also be a cause. What chemicals increase the risk of diabetes? Check out the full list below.
Chemicals That Increase the Risk of Diabetes
The following are various chemicals that can increase the risk of developing diabetes, including:
1. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
A 2006 study found that adults with the highest exposure to the six types of POPs had 37.7 times the risk of diabetes than someone with the lowest exposure level.
POPs included dioxinsDDE, oxychlordaneand trans-nonachlor; the last two are the breakdown products of pesticides chlordane.
This chemical is sprayed on most commercially grown foods and has many industrial uses.
You can find these chemicals hiding in animal fats. POPs and arsenic are the chemicals that most strongly increase the risk of diabetes.
2. Nitrogen Dioxide and Particulates
A study revealed that women and children who are exposed to large amounts of air pollution have a high risk of type 2 diabetes. The highest exposure to pollution is nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, which are tiny droplets in the air from soot and vehicle exhaust.
Another study found that children exposed to high levels of air pollution experienced increased insulin resistance. This condition is thought to involve oxidative stress from free radicals.
Also Read: 11 Types of Chemicals and Their Hazards to Health
3. Pesticides
Pesticides are chemical substances commonly used to protect plants from pests, bacteria or fungi. These chemicals are usually used by spraying on plants. Exposure to this substance can actually increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
A study revealed that, women who spray pesticides on crops during the first trimester of pregnancy have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes.
4. Selenium
Several studies have reported that taking selenium supplements increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Other chemicals linked to diabetes include: polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), arsenic (which is present in some drinking water), bisphenol A (BPA), and radiation.
5. Phthalates
Phthalates are chemicals used to manufacture plastics, cosmetics, perfumes, paints and industrial solvents. Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is the chemical most commonly used to manufacture a variety of products, including food packaging and medical devices.
Research conducted in Sweden and Mexico found the chemical phthalates High levels in older people with diabetes are associated with impaired insulin production and increased resistance.
While another study conducted on rats revealed something similar, exposure to DEHP led to the development of diabetes symptoms (especially high blood sugar levels). ). Diabetes symptoms may disappear when exposure is stopped.
These chemicals are known to promote diabetes and obesity by interfering with hormone function, possibly increasing the growth of some hormone receptors and suppressing others, and stimulating fat cell growth.
6. Mercury
Mercury chemicals are quite popular, especially for women. This is because there are some fake beauty products that contain this chemical.
This substance is an environmental poison that can cause changes in body tissues and cause very dangerous health problems. Frequent exposure to mercury can increase the risk of diabetes.
Also Read: Phthalates, Dangerous Chemicals in Everyday Products!
7. Arsenic
Perhaps unconsciously people will come into contact with arsenic, because this chemical is found in fermented alcoholic beverages or in canned food.
A study states that exposure to arsenic can induce glucose intolerance which is the beginning of diabetes.
8.BPA
A 2019 study linked exposure bisphenol A (BPA) with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers studied 755 participants and found that participants with the highest exposure to BPA were more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
BPA can be found in plastic, food cans, and receipt paper. These chemicals mimic natural hormones (estrogen) in the body.
Also worth knowingBisphenol S (BPS), used instead of BPA in plastics, may have a similar effect on the body. Thus, BPS exposure is also at high risk of type 2 diabetes.
Now,, that’s a variety of chemicals that can increase a person’s risk of developing diabetes. Hopefully this information is useful, Healthy Friends!
- Anonymous. 2015. Common Chemicals May Cause Obesity and Diabetes. https://www.diabetesincontrol.com/common-chemicals-may-cause-obesity-and-diabetes/. (Accessed January 10, 2023)
- Anonymous. Might Toxic Chemicals Cause Diabetes? Research Suggest Yes. https://www.millionmarker.com/blog/might-toxic-chemicals-cause-diabetes-research-suggests-yes. (Accessed January 10, 2023)
- Spero, David. 2012. Toxic Chemicals and Diabetes. https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/toxic-chemicals-and-diabetes/. (Accessed January 10, 2023)
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