Thursday, March 09, 2006
Common chemical linked to insulin resistance
Common chemical linked to insulin resistance
Scientists report a possible connection between a common chemical and insulin resistance, a condition that often precedes type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance is an inability of the cells to properly use insulin, a hormone needed to process glucose (blood sugar) for energy. Insulin resistance causes high blood glucose (hyperglycemia), which can lead to type 2 diabetes. In people with type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance can lead to double diabetes.
Spanish scientists studying adult mice found that injections of the synthetic chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) or a female estradiol hormone reduced glucose and increased insulin in the bloodstream. After four days, mice treated with BPA or estradiol had chronic hyperinsulinemia (high levels of insulin in the blood) and altered test results for insulin and glucose tolerance.
BPA is found in many consumer plastics including food containers, dental sealants, electronics, sports equipment and cars. The plastics industry says BPA is safe and useful. The researchers describe it as a widespread contaminant.
The scientists assert that the study shows a link between environmental estrogens and insulin resistance, and that heavy exposure to estrogens increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia (unhealthy levels of blood fats such as cholesterol).
The study was published in the January issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, a publication of the U.S. government's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Source: HealthCentersOnline
Scientists report a possible connection between a common chemical and insulin resistance, a condition that often precedes type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance is an inability of the cells to properly use insulin, a hormone needed to process glucose (blood sugar) for energy. Insulin resistance causes high blood glucose (hyperglycemia), which can lead to type 2 diabetes. In people with type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance can lead to double diabetes.
Spanish scientists studying adult mice found that injections of the synthetic chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) or a female estradiol hormone reduced glucose and increased insulin in the bloodstream. After four days, mice treated with BPA or estradiol had chronic hyperinsulinemia (high levels of insulin in the blood) and altered test results for insulin and glucose tolerance.
BPA is found in many consumer plastics including food containers, dental sealants, electronics, sports equipment and cars. The plastics industry says BPA is safe and useful. The researchers describe it as a widespread contaminant.
The scientists assert that the study shows a link between environmental estrogens and insulin resistance, and that heavy exposure to estrogens increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia (unhealthy levels of blood fats such as cholesterol).
The study was published in the January issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, a publication of the U.S. government's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Source: HealthCentersOnline
