Toxic Exposure and More Type 2 Diabetes

Some studies have linked exposure to such toxins as pesticides, solvents, lead, and mycotoxins (toxins from molds=fungi) with higher rates of type 1 or juvenile onset diabetes.  Exposure to toxic chemicals may also increase the risk of adult onset or type 2 diabetes.  A recent Korean study linked higher blood levels of toxic chemicals such as organochlorine pesticides (such as mirex), PCB’s (PolyCholinenated Biphenyls) and PBB’s (PolyBrominated Biphenyls) with significantly higher levels of type 2 diabetes.  Animal studies have also linked higher exposure to organophosphate pesticides (such as chlorpryifos) and mycotoxins with higher levels of type 1 and type 2 diabates.

 This article by Lee et al is now in press at  Environmental Health Perspectives 2010./