Phthalates, the chemicals used, are commonly found not only in personal care products, but also in toys and food packaging.
For many years, the effects of various chemicals on our health have been studied and discussed. While some have proven harmless, others have caused concern.
And a new study has found that a widely used chemical can be life-changing, especially for women.
A study published in the journal found that of Clinical endocrinology and metabolism that chemicals in shampoos and other cosmetics can increase a woman’s risk of developing diabetes by about two-thirds.
The researchers concluded that women with higher levels of phthalates in their urine were 63% more likely to develop metabolic diseases.
Phthalates improve the durability of plastics and are used in personal care products, toys, and food and beverage packaging. It is also added to perfumes so that the fragrance stays on the skin longer.
Known as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), these chemicals mimic estrogen and have been linked to breast and ovarian cancer, as well as premature menopause.
The lead author of the study, Dr. Sung-Kyun Park of the University of Michigan, explained why the results are worrying, saying: “Our study found that phthalates may contribute to a higher incidence of diabetes in women, especially white women. phthalates daily, which increases the risk of developing diabetes.” “They expose them to many metabolic diseases. It is important that we deal with EDCs now because they are harmful to human health.”
Endocrine disrupting chemicals can also change the way fat is stored, leading to obesity. Some phthalates have been found to cause infertility.
One recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that women are more likely to give birth prematurely if they had high levels of phthalates in their blood prior to pregnancy.
In this most recent study, an analysis of 1,308 women in the United States found that above average concentrations of phthalates increased the incidence of type 2 diabetes by 30% to 63%.
Approximately 5% of participants developed diabetes within six years.
Dr. Park added: “Our study is a step in the right direction towards a better understanding of the impact of phthalates on metabolic disease, but more research is needed.”
It is worth noting that type 2 diabetes is a life-changing condition that causes blood sugar levels to be too high. It may also increase the risk of other conditions such as heart disease and stroke.
Symptoms of diabetes include:
Feeling of intense thirst
Urinating more often than usual, especially at night
I feel very tired
Weight loss and muscle loss
Frequent bouts of thrush
Slow healing wounds
blurred vision
Source: Express
