According to a recent study, Americans exposed to ‘forever chemicals’ may face up to a 31 percent heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Mount Sinai investigated the relationship between polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—which can be found in various items like non-stick cookware, food packaging, and even tap water—and the occurrence of type 2 diabetes, a condition that affects around 35 million people in the U.S.
Previous studies have associated these chemicals—known for their slow breakdown in the environment and tendency to accumulate in the body—with various serious health concerns, including several types of cancer.
To provide more detailed insight into the connection between PFAS and diabetes, the researchers analyzed extensive population datasets to identify patterns of exposure and health outcomes.
The study focused on 180 individuals recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, comparing their data with that of 180 similar individuals without the condition, carefully matched by age, sex, and ancestry.
Blood samples were examined for PFAS levels, revealing that higher concentrations corresponded to a nearly one-third increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
In particular, each increase in PFAS exposure was associated with a 31 percent risk rise.
Dr. Vishal Midya, the lead researcher and assistant professor of environmental medicine at Mount Sinai, remarked that due to their resistance to breakdown, PFAS accumulate both in the environment and within human bodies.
He added that this study represents one of the initial efforts to explore how these chemicals could disrupt metabolism, thereby enhancing diabetes risk, especially among diverse populations in the U.S.
Utilizing data from BioMe, a biobank linked to electronic health records of over 65,000 patients at Mount Sinai Hospital, researchers selected participants with a balanced demographic: one-third African American, one-third Hispanic, and one-third White.
Plasma samples collected before diabetes diagnosis were analyzed for PFAS levels. The use of Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression allowed the team to better understand how PFAS levels relate to diabetes development.
Metabolic changes—like insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism—often contribute to the progression of type 2 diabetes.
Such metabolic disruptions, frequently linked to unhealthy lifestyles, can disturb the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and lead to hyperglycemia, a condition where blood sugar levels become excessively high. Persistent hyperglycemia can culminate in diseases like type 2 diabetes, with symptoms ranging from thirst and fatigue to more serious issues.
Management of type 2 diabetes often includes regular insulin usage, either through injections or a pump.
PFAS exposure may promote diabetes development in several ways, such as disrupting pancreatic cells that regulate blood glucose levels and increasing insulin resistance.
The findings highlight the pressing need for stricter regulation of PFAS. Dr. Damaskini Valvi, a senior author, emphasized that understanding these risks can lead to more effective early interventions for type 2 diabetes, integrating knowledge of environmental chemicals with other known factors that influence diabetes risk.
Research increasingly indicates that PFAS are implicated in various chronic health issues, including obesity and liver disease, not just diabetes.
Known for taking thousands of years to decompose, PFAS are termed ‘forever chemicals.’ They are designed to repel water and oil, which is why they are effective in non-stick cookware and water-resistant clothing.
These substances can leach into drinking water from food packaging or cookware, and they are also prevalent in agricultural pesticides, which can contaminate water sources. There is currently no safe level of exposure identified for PFAS.
Under directives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), public water systems must find ways to reduce PFAS levels within four years. Starting in 2029, the EPA will monitor six types of PFAS in drinking water, requiring public notifications if levels are deemed unacceptable.
Last year, the EPA established a maximum contaminant level for PFAS at 4.0 parts per trillion. Some research has indicated that areas where drinking water exceeds this threshold—like parts of New York and California—show higher occurrences of various cancers.
The increases in cancer rates spanned from minor to significantly elevated. The Mount Sinai team urges further studies involving larger and longer-term population analyses to better comprehend the health effects of PFAS throughout life, particularly during sensitive periods.
