Nearly 1 in 10 of the women with high levels of one particular phthalate called mono-isobutyl phthalate had diabetes compared to 1 in 20 of the women with low levels. However, it may be an assumption to say that the chemical caused the diabetes. Because phthalates are ubiquitous in medical tube packs, intravenous bags and a number of other medications, it may be that the diabetes caused the high levels through the use of more medications and more medical treatments.
More research is needed, especially longitudinal studies over time, to nail down whether a build-up of the phthalates actually leads to obesity and hence type two diabetes. These chemicals are known to be disruptive to the endocrine system of glands within the human body. They latch on to cells and change the release of hormones such as insulin and estrogen. A phthalate expert and member of the Brigham team makes a good point about the importance of further research, “This study certainly has important public health implications. It adds support to the claim that phthalate exposure is associated with metabolic diseases in humans, including insulin resistance and diabetes.”
Phthalates in Urine
It is estimated that 3 out of every four Americans have some level of phthalates in their urine, but it cannot yet be said how much of an effect or even that they have an effect at all on the rate of growth of diabetes numbers. As things stand it is almost impossible to avoid these chemicals because they are part of most things from nail varnish to deodorants and of course plastic packages.
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