Extra pounds and pesticides may help trigger diabetes

Photo Credit: Anankkm

A high-fat Western-style diet has long been linked to type 2 diabetes, but now what’s on our food is just as suspect as what’s in it. A new study shows that pesticide residue and chemical exposure may also trigger the disease. 

It’s not the first time chemical pollutants have been linked to diabetes. In fact, previous studies have also linked pesticides, PCBs and other chemicals known as "persistent organic pollutants" to an increased risk.

Ironically, many of these pesticides and chemicals have been banned since the 1970s, but “persist”, as the name suggests, in the environment for years, building up in human and animal body fat.

This latest study, published in the most recent issue of Diabetes Care, analyzed blood samples of 2,000 adults and found that those with the highest levels of the pesticide oxychlordane were about twice as likely to have diabetes.

The link appeared to be limited to people who were overweight or obese.

That, the researchers told the Reuters news service, suggests that the pollutants and body fat "may have a synergistic effect on the risk of type 2 diabetes."

Past research also suggests that some persistent organic pollutants impair the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, which could also help explain the link.

Chemical exposure routes 

Besides diet, another main exposure route for chemicals is inhalation.

Numerous chemicals commonly found in households have the ability to become airborne as a gas, vapor or attached to dust.

Unfortunately,  basic home HEPA filters are unable to trap most airborne chemicals. Deep bed activated carbon filters are the best solution for removing chemicals, gases and odors.

To learn more about removing airborne pollutants in your home connect with us:

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