Diabetes Triggers You'd Never Think Of

Unbalanced diet and lack of exercise, typical of a Western lifestyle, can cause type 2 diabetes. diabetes We all know that it causes diabetes. However, the less discussed and often overlooked aspect is the other, lesser-known causes of this disease. These factors are mostly beyond the control of diabetics.

Have you ever considered that environmental factors might play a role in type 2 diabetes? Yes, we are exposed to thousands of chemicals throughout our lives. From canned foods containing BPA (Bisphenol A) to exhaust fumes and phthalates found in some plastics, these environmental chemicals significantly affect metabolic functions. While it may sound strange at first, this becomes more meaningful when we consider the effects of the chemicals in our environment on hormone balance and function, along with the hormones that regulate our metabolism.

According to a cost analysis published in The Lancet in 2016, the annual cost of household chemicals in the United States is $340 billion. This is almost 2.33 percent of the country's gross domestic product. The economic burden of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals is much higher in the US compared to Europe, which spends $217 billion annually on chemical products. According to researchers, this difference between Europe and the US stems from regulations on chemicals.1)

These rising costs and alarming diabetes rates indicate that something is wrong. There's likely something amiss with chemical regulations, and that's affecting our health. Until serious legal regulations are put in place regarding the chemicals we use, from food to products, what we need to do is be aware of these chemicals and try to avoid them as much as possible.

Things That Trigger Type 2 Diabetes: Not Related to Food and Exercise

It's true that type 2 diabetes is directly linked to poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. However, recent research shows that other factors can also trigger diabetes. According to the International Diabetes Federation, as of 2015, diabetes affects 415 million people globally. This figure is rapidly increasing, projected to reach 642 million people by 2040.2So, despite the increasing interest and awareness of nutrition and sports worldwide, what is the reason for this increase?

Unfortunately, it's not possible to completely prevent Type 2 diabetes with a great diet or more exercise. Scientists point to the influence of environmental chemicals in this increase in obesity and diabetes. Many studies confirm the link between Type 2 diabetes and exposure to these environmental chemicals. Furthermore, these chemicals also affect the development of neural circuits that regulate eating behavior. Thus, the hypothesis known as the 'developmental obesogen' is also confirmed.3)

Traditional risk factors for diabetes, such as obesity, lack of physical activity, aging, and a family history of diabetes, are insufficient to explain the rise in the disease. Certain environmental chemicals and heavy metals are polluting the air, water, and soil. As a result, women, children, and adults exposed to these substances before birth have a higher probability of developing the disease.4)

9 Factors That Trigger Diabetes

1. Arsenic

According to research, chronic exposure to arsenic interferes with insulin secretion, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A 2017 study published in the "American Journal of Physiology" found that arsenic contaminating drinking water affects an average of 100 million people worldwide, increasing the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes. The study showed that mice exposed to subtoxic levels of inorganic arsenic in their drinking water for eight weeks exhibited impaired glucose tolerance compared to a control group. Furthermore, arsenic exposure was found to lead to changes in daily food intake and energy metabolism. In conclusion, arsenic negatively impacts metabolic function by altering insulin secretion from beta cells in the pancreas, leading to impaired glucose tolerance.5)

Arsenic is found in water, petroleum, air, and food. Sadly, it's almost impossible to avoid exposure to arsenic, as it's a naturally occurring substance in our environment. Because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't have a regulation completely banning arsenic in food, it's found in many foods, from rice and chicken to apple juice and protein powder. Beyond our dinner tables, arsenic appears in livestock feed additives, pesticides, wood preservatives, agricultural chemicals, and some pharmaceuticals. Until authorities regulate arsenic in our environment and food, you can protect yourself from this heavy metal by consuming organic, minimally processed foods and reducing your grain intake.6)

2. BPA (Bisphenol A)

BPA, or Bisphenol A, a synthetic compound, is used in the production of some plastics, canned foods, medical supplies, and drinking straws. According to research, BPA leads to numerous health problems. A potential endocrine disruptor, BPA also facilitates the development of diabetes. A review article published in the “International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health” states that exposure to BPA significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This synthetic compound directly affects pancreatic cells, disrupting glucagon and insulin secretion and thus causing insulin resistance.

According to the data obtained, the highest BPA levels are seen in babies fed with formula and using polycarbonate bottles. This means an estimated 11 micrograms of BPA intake per kilogram of body weight. In adults, this rate is approximately 1.5 micrograms per kilogram. In this case, the biggest responsibility falls on us. Many products labeled as BPA-free contain BPS (biphenol S) and chemicals that cause metabolic disorders. To avoid the toxic effects of BPA, we should prefer glass or stainless steel storage containers as much as possible.7)

3. PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are known as artificial chemicals used in many industrial and commercial fields. Although they are no longer used in commercial products in the US, it is still possible to encounter these chemicals. These chemicals were officially banned in America in 1979. According to research, these chemicals remain in our bodies for many years because they accumulate in our fatty tissues after exposure. Before the ban, these chemicals were used in the manufacture of oil-based paints, plastics, flooring, fillers, thermal insulation materials, and electronic devices. PCBs can also be released into the environment from combustion waste, poor-quality landfill materials, and leaks in electrical transformers. It is also possible to find these chemicals in small organisms and some fish that we consume.8)

Bob Weinhold, a member of the Association of Environmental Journalists, reports that mice exposed to PCBs showed impairments in many important bodily functions. There are also studies supporting the finding that two weeks of PCB exposure leads to glucose disturbances and insulin intolerance.

The study in question showed that mice fed a low-fat diet experienced more side effects than those fed a high-fat diet. This is because as you lose weight, PCBs stored in your body are released back into the metabolic system.9)

However, since these studies were conducted on mice, it is not possible to directly transfer the findings to humans. Therefore, it is impossible to fully understand the effects of PCBs on humans and to what extent they are toxic from these studies. To get rid of the harmful effects of PCBs, you can start by eliminating fluorescent lamps, fillers, paints and other materials in buildings constructed before the date they were banned. (10)

4. PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals that occur naturally in gasoline, crude oil, and coal. These chemicals, produced by the burning of coal, gas, oil, tobacco, and garbage, pollute the air through vehicle exhaust fumes, cigarette smoking, coal tar smoke, asphalt roads, burnt meats, and wildfires. According to the National Report on Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, most of the over 2500 participants tested positive for PAHs, demonstrating the widespread exposure to these chemicals in the U.S. (11)

A 2014 study published in the journal “Occupational and Environmental Medicine” followed participants aged 20 to 65 who had high levels of PAHs in their urine tests. These individuals developed type 2 diabetes between 2001 and 2006. Of course, these results vary depending on factors such as gender, race, smoking status, and body mass index. Furthermore, previous studies have shown a direct link between PAH exposure and oxidative stress and inflammation, which play a major role in the development of type 2 diabetes.12)

It is known that among the American population, PAHs are most commonly ingested through smoking and food. Cooking meat and other foods at high temperatures using methods like barbecuing or grilling increases the amount of PHAs in foods. To avoid this mistake when barbecuing, you can slightly cook your meat before placing it on the grill, thus reducing the burning of fat and smoke production.

5. phthalates

Phthalates are chemical compounds used to increase the flexibility and strength of plastic products. A study conducted in Australia on 1504 people investigated the link between exposure to these chemicals and type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. Researchers found phthalates in 99.6% of urine samples taken from participants, indicating a correlation with diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. The study states that in men aged 39-84, heart disease and type 2 diabetes are directly linked to phthalate exposure.13)

Phthalates are found in high concentrations in many industrial and other products. These chemicals are present in everything from cosmetics and household cleaning products to packaging and medical care products. The easiest way to avoid phthalates is to make your own beauty and care products. To do this, you should use natural cleaning products, avoid consuming products sold in plastic containers, and not store your food in plastic containers.14)

6. Mercury

According to research, mercury alters the function of beta cells in the pancreas, triggering hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). A study published in the journal "Environmental Research" points to 34 studies showing that mercury exposure increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Of course, not all studies show a direct link between the development of type 2 diabetes and mercury. However, they highlight the relationship between total mercury concentration and the incidence of diabetes.15)

Another study involving 3875 American adults linked to mercury levels in toenails and diabetes. Participants, whose measurements were first taken in 1987, were checked six more times until 2005. Over this 18-year period, a link was found between toenail mercury levels and a total of 288 cases of diabetes. The study also considered other risk factors such as gender, ethnicity, smoking and alcohol consumption, physical activity, and family history of diabetes.16)

Mercury, a heavy metal found in the Earth's crust, is released into the environment through human activities such as gold mining and coal use. Mercury is also found in amalgam fillings used by dentists, light switches, glass thermometers, and fluorescent lamps. Organic mercury is more commonly found in large fish such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and barracuda. ​​To prevent mercury exposure and poisoning, you can perform a heavy metal detox by avoiding fish with high mercury levels. It is also beneficial to avoid herbal remedies known to contain toxic levels of mercury and produced outside the US.

7. Cadmium

Cadmium, like mercury, occurs naturally in our environment and is released through activities such as smelting and mining. Cadmium is also used in many industrial processes such as metal plating and plastic fixing. Water or soil containing cadmium can also enter our food. While some plants may contain cadmium, it is also found in vegetables, rice and other grains, potatoes, and tobacco. Cadmium also indirectly enters the food chain from water contaminated by mining operations.

A 2017 analysis compared nine studies involving a total of 28,691 participants to determine the relationship between cadmium and diabetes. Researchers noted that one microgram of cadmium in urine samples increased the risk of diabetes by 16 percent. Consequently, a link between cadmium exposure and the prevalence of diabetes was established. However, it was emphasized that further studies are needed to confirm these findings.17)

Organizations such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency regulate cadmium. It is noted that cadmium intake solely through diet does not cause serious health problems, but smokers and those whose occupations expose them to high levels of cadmium are at greater risk. Examples include those working in alloy production, car mechanics, battery manufacturers, miners, refinery workers, and pesticide production. For more detailed information, you can refer to the list published by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.18)

8. Insecticides

Pesticides are among the chemicals widely used in agriculture to eliminate insects that reduce crop yields. Their global use leads to air pollution and enters the food chain, affecting humans. Because of their wide range of applications and the lack of adequate control and restrictions, pesticide-related pollution is a significant concern, particularly in developing countries.19)

A study published in “Environment International” investigates the role of pesticides in diabetes. Researchers examined 22 studies and found a positive link between the incidence of diabetes and pesticide exposure.20)

According to research, acute or chronic side effects can occur depending on your exposure to these pesticides. To minimize the effects of pesticides, you need to be careful when buying organic foods, also known as the 'dirty dozen'. Even products like strawberries, apples, peaches, and spinach are included in the list. Try to get involved with organic farming, which is more efficient and environmentally friendly.

9. Nickel

Nickel, often used in combination with other metals, is found in the manufacture of coins, jewelry, valves, and coolers. It is also used in the production of colored ceramics and some batteries. Nickel is released into the environment from power plant chimneys or large furnaces and incineration plants. It can also seep into the soil as a precipitate from industrial wastewater.

A study published in the “International Journal of Epidemiology” investigates the link between nickel exposure and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in adults in China. Urine samples from 2115 participants showed an average nickel concentration of 3.6 milligrams per liter, with a reported diabetes incidence of 35 percent. The study concluded that individuals with high nickel levels had elevated fasting blood sugar and insulin resistance.21)

Workers who inhale nickel in the form of dust or fumes, such as welders, are at high risk. This also includes people who work with metals and solutions containing nickel. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, nickel found in drinking water or food does not pose a threat to our health.22)

The annual use of 180.000 metric tons of fossil fuels for heating and industrial purposes is one of the main causes of nickel pollution in the air, soil, and water.23To prevent this, clean energy needs to be promoted at local, regional, and global levels. If you don't already have solar or wind power in your home, you can find a power source that generates 100% clean energy. Cleaner air and a cleaner environment, free from the harmful effects of fossil fuels, are best for all of us.

To Sum Up

• Many studies indicate that known risk factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, old age, and family history are insufficient to explain the increasing incidence of diabetes.
• Numerous scientific studies support the role of environmental chemicals in diabetes. These unexpected diabetes triggers have toxic effects on the pancreas, disrupting fasting blood sugar levels and leading to insulin resistance.
• The nine triggers that contribute to the increasing incidence of diabetes are as follows:
  • Arsenic
  • BPA
  • PCBs
  • PAHs
  • phthalates
  • Mercury
  • Cadmium
  • Insecticides
  • Nickel

*This article, Dr. Axe, Food is Medicine This text has been taken from and translated from the website mentioned above. Habit Gıda AŞ bears no responsibility for the content of this text. This text is for informational purposes only, translated from English to Turkish, and does not contain any health advice. Habit Gıda AŞ cannot be held responsible for any health problems that may arise in readers as a result of this text. Readers should not take any action regarding the content of this text without consulting their doctor about their own health condition. You should consult your doctor about all matters related to your health.

*This text Dr. Axe - Food is Medicine This text was taken from the website mentioned above and translated into Turkish.