A chemical that many of us apply to our skin or breath through the air, could have an impact on our blood sugar levels and diabetes development. A study by Sweden’s Uppsala University has shown a link between use of phthalates and type 2 diabetes.
Where’s it found?
The chemical compound could be found in many of our homes, as it’s used to bring flexibility and transparency to common products and cosmetics. Some companies add it to their packaging, meaning the substance could leak into foods we eat, say experts from the university. It can also be added to self-tanning creams, facial moisturisers and perfumes. The researchers measured the amount of the phthalates in the blood stream of 1,000 participants, while also checking their blood glucose levels after they had fasted for eight hours. The results showed that people who had more of the compound in their blood stream, doubled their chances of getting the condition.
Should we be worried?
Head researcher on the study Monica Lind explains that the study indicated other wellness risk factors for type 2 diabetes. She says that some compounds commonly found in packaging or cosmetics may increase our risk of developing the condition. Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed when our blood sugar levels rise because our body stops making insulin, or we become immune to the hormone – making it impossible to regulate our glucose levels ourselves. Diabetes UK stated that a link between phthalates and blood sugar levels was made in the study, but the project didn’t show that one causes another. The group says that there are tested ways to maintain a healthy weight, which can protect us from getting the condition. Eating healthily and making sure our calorie intake doesn’t lead to excessive weight gain are effective ways of protecting our wellbeing from type 2 diabetes.
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