Environmental Pollutants & Diabetes
8 Unexpected Diabetes Triggers Explained
A growing body of research suggests that traditional risk factors for diabetes, such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, advanced age, and a family history of diabetes, are not sufficient by themselves to explain the rapidly increasing prevalence of the disease.
Scientific evidence supports the role of environmental chemicals in diabetes. These unexpected diabetes triggers have been shown to have toxic effects on the pancreas, disrupt fasting blood glucose levels, and increase insulin resistance.
The nine unexpected diabetes triggers shown to be associated with a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes include:
Arsenic
BPA
PCBs
PAHs
Phthalates
Mercury
Cadmium
Pesticides
Nickel
ARSENIC
Chronic exposure interferes with insulin secretion
Where is it?
Arsenic is found in tap water, pressure-treated lumber
Cigarettes
Cosmetics
Non-organic food. A lot in rice.
BPA
The synthetic compound promotes abnormal pancreatic cell function. Impairs insulin & glucagon secretion
Where is it?
Canned foods and drink
Kegs
Plastics
Polycarbonate water bottles
Cash register receipts
PCBS
Polychlorinated biphenyls. Manmade chemicals were banned in the 1970s but persist in the environment, body fat, and food chain
Where is it?
Old Oil-based paint & plastics
Old floor finish & caulking
Pre-1979 electrical devices
Fish
Hazardous waste site
PAHS
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Contamination is widespread. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. High urinary PHA levels = Higher type 2 diabetes risk.
Where is it?
Burnt meat
Gasoline
Crude oil
Coal
Incinerated Garbage
PHTHALATES
Plasticizing chemicals linked to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.
Where is it?
Vinyl
Fragranced soaps, perfumes, Laundry products
Personal care products
Candles
Air fresheners
Wax melts
MERCURY
Alters pancreas beta cells. High mercury levels in toenails = increased T2D risk
Where is it?
Amalgam fillings
Fluorescent light bulbs
High fructose corn syrup
Fish
CADMIUM
16% increase in T2D for every 1 microgram per gram of urinary cadmium.
Where is it?
Shellfish
Cereal products
Potatoes
Major exposure to cadmium
Cigarette
Mining
Smelting
Plastics
Battery makers
Auto mechanic shops
Pesticide plants
Nonorganic foods
Fumigated homes
Golf courses
Some parks
NICKEL
Elevated nickels are linked to higher fasting glucose and insulin resistance.
Where is it?
Welding shops
Fossil Fuel Power Plant emission
Incinerator Emissions
Industrial waste
Soil/sediment
Superfund sites