These Chemicals May Raise Type 2 Diabetes Risk by 31 Percent: Study Finds - Video

Exposure to a class of synthetic chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as 'forever chemicals' may significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new study published in eBioMedicine.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are widely used in everyday consumer products due to their resistance to heat, water, oil, and stains. These substances are found in items such as nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and stain-resistant fabrics. Because they do not break down easily, they accumulate in both the environment and the human body, raising concerns about their long-term health effects.

To examine the relationship between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and diabetes, researchers conducted a nested case-control study within BioMe, a large, electronic health record-linked research database at Mount Sinai, encompassing more than 70,000 participants. The team analyzed blood samples from 180 individuals recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and compared them to 180 matched controls without diabetes, accounting for age, sex, and ancestry.

They found that each increase in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure range was associated with a 31% higher risk of developing T2D. Researchers also discovered potential metabolic disruptions, particularly in amino acid biosynthesis and drug metabolism pathways, which may help explain how PFAS contribute to impaired blood sugar regulation.

The findings underscore the importance of reducing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure to promote public health. “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. Mounting research suggests that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a risk factor for several chronic diseases, such as obesity, liver disease, and diabetes,” said Damaskini Valvi, MD, PhD, MPH, senior author of the study.

Reference: Exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in association to later occurrence of type 2 diabetes and metabolic pathway dysregulation in a multiethnic US population, Midya, Vishal et al. eBioMedicine, Volume 0, Issue 0, 105838