7 Unexpected Triggers of Diabetes, According to Science

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Do you consider yourself even a little bit health-savvy? Then, you probably know the basic rules in keeping your diabetes risk as low as possible, Be active, Eat right, and maintain a healthy weight.

But, these are not the only things you can do to lower your diabetes risk.

Believe it or not, other factors can increase your odds for diabetese, and some of them are very surprising. Here, are 7 unexpected diabetes triggers.

7 Unexpected Diabetes’ Triggers:

1. Arsenic

Research reported that chronic exposure to arsenic can interfere with insulin secretion, and also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

As per a study published in 2017 at the American Journal of Physiology, arsenic “contaminates the drinking water of approximately 100 million people globally and has been associated with insulin resistance and diabetes.

Arsenic is detected in our air, food, water, and oil. It is impossible to avoid arsenic exposure because it is found naturally in the environment. Also, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not set limits for total arsenic in our foods, that is why it has been detected in common foods including chicken, rice, protein powder and apple juice .

2. BPA

BPA or also known as Bisphenol A is a synthetic compound that is often used in producing certain types of plastics in canned foods, toys, medical devices and drink liners.

Research has showed that BPA is linked with many health disorders. The Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, human and lab studies suggested that BPA exposure is associated to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This chemical acts directly on pancreatic cells, therefore impairing insulin and glucagon secretion, which can trigger an insulin resistant state.

What is the best ways to avoid BPA? Limit your exposure to plastic of all kinds, choose stainless steel or glass whenever possible, and say no to the receipts from the cash register, which are most commonly coated with BPA or similar chemical compounds.

3. Mercury

Research showed that mercury can induce hyperglycemia by altering the function of pancreatic beta cells.

As per a systematic review published in the Environmental Research, and evaluated 34 studies that measured the increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome due to mercury exposure. Although the relationship between type 2 diabetes and exposure to mercury is not consistent across all studies, there is data that suggested a linked between the incidence of diabetes and total mercury concentrations.

4. Pesticides

Pesticides are chemicals that are abundantly used in agriculture to destroy and prevent insects and pests that might interfere with the productivity and growth of crops.

A systematic review and meta-analysis that was published in Environment International reviewed the role of pesticides in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Included were 22 studies and a positive linked between increased pesticide exposure and the prevalence of diabetes.

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The adverse effects of pesticides can be acute or chronic depending on your level of exposure. To reduce your exposure, choose organic whenever possible, but, most especially when buying any foods from the dirty dozen list, here is how to remove pesticides from fruits and vegetables.

5. Phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals that are used in plastics, to help increase flexibility, durability, and transparency of many plastic products. A study done in Australia, detected phthalates in almost 99.6% of the participant urine samples, and were able to report that phthalate concentrations were positively linked with type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

Researchers adjusted other factors that would normally contribute to these health factors, including smoking and alcohol consumption, but the link between the phthalates, and the disease were the same.

6. Spending Too Much Time Alone

Sure, it can be really nice to just curl up on the couch, watch TV shows, Netflix, and not talk to anyone every once in a while. But, not all the time.

Research reported that social isolation is linked to a greater risk for type 2 diabetes,and increases your chances of dementia, too. In fact, women whose age ranges from 40-75, and who did not participate in social activities were 112% more likely to have diabetes, as compared to those individuals with strong social networks, according to a recent BMC Public Health findings.

Experts do not fully understand the connection, but, it is noted that individual who isolate themselves from friends and family are more likely to be depressed, which is a risk factor for diabetes, according Sathya Jyothinagaram, MD, an endocrinologist at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix.

So go ahead and call your friend, then make plans to grab coffee or watch a movie. You will be glad you did.

7. Too Much Salt

Excess sodium consumption can make you more likely to develop hypertension or be overweight, 2 big diabetes risk factors. But, that’s not all.

Too much salt may also have a direct impact on insulin resistance, according to Swedish researchers. In fact, for each extra 1,000 mg of sodium the study participants consumed, their diabetes risk increased by 43%.

You should try to keep your sodium intake under 2,300 mg daily, according to the American Heart Association. If you can get below 1,500 mg, this is much better.

Sources:
Dr. Axe
Collective-evolution
Prevention

Related Articles:
1. These are the Effects of Diabetes on Your Body, According to Experts
2. 7 Best Ways to Prevent Diabetes, According to Science
3. How to Make Okra Water for Diabetes and Lowering Cholesterol

photo credit: pixabay

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