July 14, 2024
How Functional Medicine Can Help Pre-Diabetic and Diabetic Patients: The Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)
Diabetes Type 2 can be reversed in so many cases when you work towards root cause.
Diabetes Type 2 can be reversed in so many cases when you work towards root cause.
Are You Aware of the Hidden Dangers in Your Everyday Environment?
Have you ever wondered about the unseen threats lurking in your daily life that could be impacting your health? Do you worry about developing diabetes despite leading a relatively healthy lifestyle? Understanding the hidden dangers of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) might provide some answers.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that interfere with the body’s hormonal systems. These chemicals are everywhere—in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil that grows our food, and countless everyday products. One of the most prevalent EDCs, Bisphenol A (BPA), has been detected in 86% of people in the UK. Studies suggest that our exposure to BPA and other EDCs could be much higher than previously estimated.
EDCs are linked to numerous health issues beyond reproductive disorders, including obesity and diabetes. Chronic exposure to these chemicals can lead to insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders, contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
EDCs can mimic or interfere with the body’s natural hormones, leading to various health problems. For instance, they can disrupt glucose transportation and transform pre-adipocytes (precursors to fat cells) into mature adipocytes by mimicking insulin. This can result in insulin resistance, a key factor in the development of T2DM. EDCs can also affect gene expression, insulin secretion, and the proliferation of pancreatic islet cells, all of which are crucial for maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
Some EDCs, known as metabolism-disrupting chemicals (MDCs), specifically target cells involved in metabolic control. They can cause mitochondrial dysfunction, laying the groundwork for insulin resistance and T2DM.
BPA is found in many everyday items such as plastic bottles, metal food cans, detergents, toys, and cosmetics. Studies have shown that higher BPA exposure is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular diseases. BPA and its analogues, bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF), are also linked to lipid metabolism disorders and obesity.
Research indicates that BPA exposure is positively associated with an increased risk of T2DM. BPA acts on pancreatic beta cells, increasing insulin biosynthesis and release, which can dysregulate glucose responses even in healthy, non-obese adults. Importantly, BPA substitutes, often labelled as “BPA-free,” can have similar endocrine-disrupting effects, sometimes at even lower doses.
Dioxin, a lipophilic EDC, persists in the body’s fat cells and can take decades to break down. This chemical has been linked to increased T2DM risk in populations with high exposure, such as soldiers exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Although its use has decreased in recent decades, dioxin remains in the environment, continuing to pose a risk for T2DM.
Several other EDCs have been associated with T2DM and insulin resistance:
- **Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides**: High concentrations have been linked to T2DM risk and impaired fasting glucose.
- **Phthalates**: These chemicals, found in various consumer products, are associated with increased diabetes risk and elevated markers of insulin resistance.
- **Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)**: Found in non-stick cookware and other products, PFOA has been linked to T2DM, especially in non-obese women.
Functional medicine focuses on addressing the root causes of disease and considers the impact of environmental factors like EDCs. For pre-diabetic and diabetic patients, reducing exposure to EDCs can be an effective strategy. Practical steps include:
- Reducing plastic use and never microwaving plastic containers.
- Avoiding lawn and garden chemicals.
- Using stainless steel water bottles.
- Choosing organic foods to minimise pesticide exposure.
Functional medicine also emphasises the role of nutrition in counteracting the effects of EDCs. Nutrients that support detoxification and reduce inflammation, such as beta carotene and other carotenoids, can help mitigate the impact of EDCs on insulin resistance.
If you are pre-diabetic or diabetic, consider consulting with a functional medicine practitioner to explore strategies for reducing EDC exposure and supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes. Simple lifestyle changes can have a profound impact on your health and may reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
By addressing environmental factors and optimising nutrition, functional medicine offers a holistic approach to managing and preventing diabetes. Take the first step towards better health by seeking out a functional medicine practitioner today.
1. Public Health England. (2020). Biomonitoring of BPA in the UK population.
2. World Health Organisation. (2019). State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals.
3. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2020). Endocrine Disruptors.
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