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Insulin Resistance and Diabetes Risk: What does BPA in Plastic has to do with them?

/ 11 July 2024 / 0 Comments

For years, scientists have suspected that industrial chemicals in plastic water bottles can disrupt human hormones. Until now, evidence has only been observational, showing an association between plastic exposure and certain diseases without proving a causal effect.

A new, groundbreaking study provides direct evidence that bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in packaging food and drinks, can reduce insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance, the impaired ability to respond to insulin, leads to chronically high blood sugar levels and a much higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

Researchers presented these findings at the 2024 Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, suggesting that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) might need to reconsider the safe limits for BPA exposure in plastic bottles, food containers, and other items. Even so-called safe levels of BPA might pose health risks.

The Study: BPA's Impact on Insulin Sensitivity

Researchers from California Polytechnic State University studied 40 healthy adults, randomly assigning them to receive either a placebo or a small daily dose of BPA. After four days, participants who received BPA were less responsive to insulin, while the placebo group showed no change.

The BPA dose given to participants, 50 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day, is currently classified as safe by the EPA. However, the study’s findings suggest that this safe dose should be reconsidered. "These results suggest that maybe the US EPA safe dose should be reconsidered and that healthcare providers could suggest these changes to patients," said Todd Hagobian, senior author and professor at California Polytechnic State University.

Regulatory Stance on BPA

The FDA considers BPA safe at low levels in food containers, up to 5 mg per kg of body weight per day, which is 100 times the amount found to be risky in the new study. Some researchers argue that FDA guidelines are outdated. In contrast, the European Commission has proposed banning BPA in products that come into contact with food or beverages by the end of 2024.

Environmental Contaminants and Human Health

Concerns about BPA are part of a broader alarm about everyday exposure to harmful substances. Recent research has found that microplastics, tiny particles capable of infiltrating human cells, may significantly impact health. These particles have been discovered in human lungs and reproductive organs.

Understanding the long-term effects of everyday substances on health can help us make better decisions to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes. "Given that diabetes is a leading cause of death in the US, it is crucial to understand even the smallest factors that contribute to the disease," Hagobian said. "We were surprised to see that reducing BPA exposure, such as using stainless steel or glass bottles and BPA-free cans, may lower diabetes risk."

The study’s findings highlight the need to reconsider what levels of BPA exposure are genuinely safe. As regulatory agencies and researchers continue to assess the risks, individuals can take steps to reduce their exposure to BPA by choosing alternatives like stainless steel or glass containers.

Source: Business Insider - Groundbreaking study shows why drinking from plastic bottles may increase your risk of type 2 diabetes

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