Exposure to “forever chemicals” used in everyday items may raise the risk of type 2 diabetes by 31 per cent, according to new research.
The study analysed blood samples from 360 people to measure levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – synthetic compounds widely used in products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing and stain-resistant furniture.
Researchers found that each increase in PFAS exposure was associated with a 31 per cent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The chemicals appear to interfere with metabolism, including amino acid production and drug metabolism, which may affect how the body regulates blood sugar.
Dr Vishal Midya is assistant professor of environmental medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
The researcher said: “PFAS are synthetic chemicals that resist heat, oil, water, and stains, and are found in countless everyday consumer products.
“Because they don’t break down easily, PFAS accumulate in the environment—and in human bodies.
“Our study is one of the first to examine how these chemicals may disrupt the body’s metabolism in ways that increase diabetes risk—particularly in diverse US populations.”
The research team from Mount Sinai conducted a nested case-control study using data from BioMe, a large health database containing records from more than 70,000 patients who have received care at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City since 2007.
They compared 180 people recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to 180 matched individuals without the condition.
Participants were matched by age, sex and ancestry.
The findings suggest that reducing PFAS exposure could support diabetes prevention.
The researchers called for further studies that integrate environmental, genetic and lifestyle data to understand how such exposures contribute to chronic disease.
Dr Damaskini Valvi is associate professor of public health and environmental medicine at Mount Sinai.
Valvi said: “This research leverages an exposomics framework to characterise environmental impacts and associated metabolic alterations contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes in vulnerable US populations.
“Findings can help us design more effective interventions for the early prevention of type 2 diabetes in the future, taking into account individuals’ exposures to environmental chemicals along with other well-known genetic, clinical, and lifestyle factors implicated in diabetes development.”
