Some Cosmetic Products Linked to Diabetes Risk

Women might be at a higher risk of developing diabetes because of phthalates that exist in such personal care products as soap, hair sprays, moisturizers, nail polish, and even perfume. Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital published a report in Environmental Health Perspectives explaining that the higher concentrations of phthalate metabolites in the urine of females compared to males might mean that women have a higher risk of developing diabetes.
Tamara James-Todd, Ph.D. and team explained that although prior studies had detected higher urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites in women, very few had looked into what the link between phthalate metabolites and diabetes and diabetes-related risk factors might be.
Dr. James-Todd and team set out to determine whether there is an association between phthalate metabolite concentrations in urine and diabetes in adult females. They gathered data from the CDC and self-reported accounts of diabetes diagnoses in 2,350 women aged between 20 and 80 years old.
The researchers found that:

• Overall, those with higher urine levels of phthalates had a higher risk of developing diabetes, compared to those with the lowest levels. 
• Those with the highest levels of mono-benzyl phthalates and mono-isobutyl phthalate in their urine were twice as likely to develop diabetes, compared to women with the lowest levels.
• Those with moderately high levels of di-2-ethlyhexyl phthalate and mono-n-butyl phthalate had a 70% greater risk of developing diabetes, compared to women with the lowest levels.
• Women with a higher than average level of mono (3-carboxypropl) phthalate had a 60% greater risk of developing diabetes compared to those with the lowest levels. 

The authors concluded: "Urinary levels of several phthalates were associated with prevalent diabetes. Future prospective studies are needed to further expose these associations to determine whether phthalate exposure can alter glucose metabolism, and increase the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes."
Phthalates are found in: binders, building materials, detergents, dispersants, electronics, emulsifying agents, film formers, glues and adhesives, lubricants, many food products, medical devices, packaging, paints, personal care products, printing inks, stabilizers, suspending agents, textiles, coating on some pills, toys,and viscosity control agents.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.


Article source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/247857.php