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Last Updated: Apr 16, 2008 - 5:52:06 PM |
FRIDAY JAN 25, 2008 (Foodconsumer.org) – The University of Cambridge scientists published a commentary in the most recent edition of the Lancet urging additional research into the little understood links between environmental pollution and type 2 diabetes.
Drs. Oliver Jones and Julian Griffin emphasize the need to research the possible link between toxic persistent organic pollutants (POPs, a group which includes many pesticides) and insulin resistance, which can lead to adult onset diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
In their commentary, they cite peer reviewed research including that by Dr D. Lee, et al, which clearly demonstrated a very strong association between the levels of POPs in blood, particularly organochlorine compounds, and the risk of type 2 diabetes.
“Of course correlation does not automatically imply causation,” says Dr. Jones. “But if there is indeed a link, the health implications could be tremendous. At present there is very limited information. Research into adult onset diabetes currently focuses on genetics and obesity; there has been almost no consideration for the possible influence of environmental factors such as pollution.”
Surprisingly, the Lee study showed diabetes was not found in those obese people with low concentrations of POPs in their blood. Individuals who were thin, but had high levels of these toxic chemicals in their blood were at higher risk of diabetes than those who were overweigh but with low levels of the environmental pollutants.
Dr Jones said “I think research should be carried out to first test the hypothesis that POPs exposure can cause diabetes, perhaps using cell or tissue cultures, so we know for sure if this can occur. Assuming POPs can have this effect, the next step would be to try and develop a method of treatment for those people who might be affected.”
POPs including DDT introduced in 1940s fell out of favor after they were blamed for the declining number of wild birds and other animals and the possible negative human health effects. These compounds used decades ago are still present in the environment today.
POPs can get into human body through the food chain. These chemicals can persist in body for a long period of time following exposure.
"POPs have been linked to adverse effects on human health and animals, such as cancer, damage to the nervous system, reproductive disorders, and disruption of the immune system. Because they circulate globally via the atmosphere, oceans, and other pathways, POPs released in one part of the world can travel to regions far from their source of origin." the environmental Protection Agency states on its web site.
The dirty dozen the world is working to get rid of are aldrin, hexachlorobenzene1,2,3, chlordane, mirex, DDT, toxaphene, dieldrin, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)2,3, endrin, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxins), heptachlor, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-furans (furans).
A foodconsumer.org scientist suggests that one may increase use of plant foods and reduce use of animal-based foods to minimize exposure to these toxins. Animals tend to accumulate these pollutants. An EPA study shows that dioxin is present at a higher level in milk, dairy products and freshwater fish than in children and pork.
For more information on POPs, read http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/international/pops.htm
© 2004-2008 by foodconsumer.org unless otherwise specified
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