Study Links BPAs in Plastic Bottles to Increased Type 2 Diabetes Risk

A new study, presented at the 84th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), has demonstrated for the first time that Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, highlighting the necessity for further research into the effects of these chemicals on human health.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical commonly used in producing hard, clear plastics and epoxy resins, found in everyday items such as bottles, food containers and tableware. BPA is known to disrupt hormone function and has been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Although there have been associations between BPA and diabetes, direct studies examining whether BPA exposure increases T2D risk in adults have been lacking. Previous research has mostly shown correlations without definitively establishing a relationship. This new study provides more direct evidence, highlighting the need for further investigation into the impact of BPA on human health.

In the study, participants were given either a placebo or BPA at the US EPA’s safe dose (50 μg/kg body weight) for 4 days to evaluate its impact on insulin sensitivity. The double-blind study included 40 healthy, non-active adults (22 females, 18 males) who first completed a 2-day low-BPA diet. During this initial period, researchers measured urine and blood samples and assessed peripheral insulin sensitivity using a 120-minute euglycemic hyper-insulinemic clamp.

Participants were then randomly assigned to follow a 4-day diet with either oral BPA (50 μg/kg) or a placebo, without knowing which one they received. The outcomes were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA, adjusting for sex, BMI, physical activity, and ethnicity.

The results showed that bisphenol A (BPA) exposure reduced peripheral insulin sensitivity after four days. While there was no significant change in body weight or fasting blood glucose levels between the placebo and BPA groups, urine BPA levels were significantly higher in those who received BPA.

Importantly, peripheral insulin sensitivity significantly decreased in the BPA group, whereas it remained stable in the placebo group.

These findings suggest that BPA found in food packaging may directly affect diabetes risk in adults, potentially influencing public health guidelines and policies.

“BPA, found in everyday products, disrupts hormones and may lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Vulnerable groups, like pregnant individuals and children, are especially at risk. Minimizing BPA exposure during development is crucial to reduce long-term health risks. Additionally, the combined effect of multiple endocrine disruptors can amplify health risks, including diabetes,” said the authors.

Reference: Todd Hagopian, PhD, Cal Poly Center for Health Research, et al.; 84th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), Orlando, FL; BPAs in plastic bottles linked to type 2 diabetes risk