People regularly exposed to ‘forever chemicals’ are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those rarely exposed, new research has revealed.
A recent study led by Mount Sinai researchers has found that frequent exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can trigger the development of type 2 diabetes.
During the trial, the team of scientists used available data to assess the health outcomes of 180 adults with type 2 diabetes and 180 without.
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By looking at blood samples from each participant, they discovered that the adults with higher levels of PFAS were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the future compared to those with lower levels of these ‘forever chemicals’.
According to the researchers, this finding could be due to metabolic irregularities in amino acid biosynthesis and drug metabolism.
PFAS are man-made chemicals that are widely used in various products due to their water and grease-resistant properties, such as nonstick cookware, stain-resistant furniture and waterproof clothing.
First author Vishal Midya said: “PFAS are everyday consumer products. Because they don’t break down easily, PFAS accumulate in the environment and in human bodies.
“Our study is one of the first to examine how these chemicals may disrupt the body’s metabolism in ways that increase diabetes risk – particularly in diverse US populations.”
Experts are urging people to limit their exposure to PFAS after highlighting its link with type 2 diabetes.
Corresponding author Dr Damaskini Valvi explained: “This research leverages an exposomics framework to characterise environmental impacts and associated metabolic alterations contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes in vulnerable US populations.
“Findings can help us design more effective interventions for the early prevention of type 2 diabetes in the future, taking into account individuals’ exposures to environmental chemicals along with other well-known genetic, clinical, and lifestyle factors implicated in diabetes development.”
Dr Valvi concluded: “Mounting research suggests that PFAS are a risk factor for several chronic diseases, such as obesity, liver disease, and type 2 diabetes.”
Read the study in the journal eBioMedicine.
