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New study finds no link between type 2 diabetes and BPA exposure

Category: Diabetes

Contrary to results from previous investigations, a team of researchers has found that high levels of exposure to the plastics chemical bisphenol A, or BPA, may not increase a person's risk of receiving unhealthy HbA1c test results indicating they have type 2 diabetes.

BPA has generated a significant amount of controversy in recent years. It is used in many plastics and food products. However, some investigations have shown that it may increase the risk of birth defects and cause disruptions in the cardio-metabolic system.

However, after examining nearly 3,500 individuals, researchers from Shanghai University found no association between exposure to BPA and a person's odds of having type 2 diabetes. They said these findings are counter the perceived conventional wisdom of the day.

The researchers did point out that a number of the individuals in the study already had type 2 diabetes, and treatment of the condition may have obscured certain results. They recommended further investigation to determine the exact nature of the link between exposure to BPA and type 2 diabetes risk.