Data Indicates How Changes to Public Health
Recommendation on BPA has Potential to Decrease Diabetes
Risk
ORLANDO,
Fla., June 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study
reveals the benefits of reducing exposure to a common chemical for
reducing the risk of diabetes. The findings are the first to
provide evidence that BPA administration may increase type 2
diabetes risk and were presented as an Oral Presentation -
Presidents' Select Abstract as well as a Symposium at the
84th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes
Association® (ADA) in Orlando,
FL.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used to
make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy
resins. Polycarbonate plastic is a hard, clear plastic used in
many products, including baby bottles, food containers, pitchers,
and tableware. BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical, which
may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. While BPA is linked
to diabetes, no study has directly assessed if BPA administration
increases this risk in adults.
"With the increase in diabetes in the US, it is our duty to
ensure safety within our products and in our homes," said Dr.
Robert Gabbay, Chief Scientific and
Medical Officer of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and
Associate Professor at Harvard Medical
School. "This is only the beginning of highlighting the need
for informed public health recommendations and policies."
In a double-blind study, participants were given either a
placebo or BPA at the US EPA's safe dose (50 ug/kg body weight) for
4 days to assess its effect on insulin sensitivity. Forty
healthy, non-active adults (22 F, 18
M; average age 21.3; average BMI 22.1; 85% Non-Hispanic
White) completed a 2-day low-BPA diet, during which urine, blood,
and peripheral insulin sensitivity were measured using a 120-minute
euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Participants were then randomly
assigned to a 4-day diet with either oral BPA (50 μg/kg) or a
placebo, in a double-blind manner. Outcomes were reassessed using
repeated measures ANOVA, adjusting for sex, BMI, physical activity,
and ethnicity.
This study suggests that bisphenol A in food packaging may
directly impact diabetes risk in adults, informing public health
recommendations and policies. Results showed that BPA
administration decreased peripheral insulin sensitivity after four
days. From baseline to 4-days, body weight was not significantly
different between placebo group (PL) mean ± SEM; 66.7 ± 2.5, 66.2 ±
2.5 kg) and BPA-50 (66.7 ± 2.5, 66.7± 2.5 kg). From baseline to
4-days, fasting blood glucose was not significantly different
between PL (95 ± 2, 88 ± 2 mg/dL) and BPA-50 (92 ± 2, 92 ± 2
mg/dL). Compared to PL urine BPA was statistically significantly
higher following BPA-50. From baseline to 4-days, peripheral
insulin sensitivity significantly (P=0.01) decreased in BPA-50
(0.11 ± 0.01, 0.10 ± 0.01 mg/kg/min/uU/ml) and remained stable in
PL (0.09 ± 0.01, 0.10 ± 0.01 mg/kg/min/uU/ml).
"Given that diabetes is a leading cause of death in the US, it
is crucial to understand even the smallest factors that contribute
to the disease," said Todd Hagobian,
PhD, author of study. "We were surprised to see that
reducing BPA exposure, such as using stainless steel or glass
bottles and BPA-free cans, may lower diabetes risk. These results
suggest that maybe the US EPA safe dose should be reconsidered and
that healthcare providers could suggest these changes to
patients."
As this study progresses, two follow up studies are needed to
accurately account for results. The first being to see if a lower
dose of bisphenol A administration over several weeks or months
increases diabetes risk, and the second to see if aerobic exercise,
which is a powerful stimulator of decreasing diabetes risk, can
reverse or overcome the negative effects of bisphenol A
administration.
Research presentation details:
Dr. Hagobian will
present the findings at the following Oral Presentation -
Presidents' Select Abstract
- Oral Bisphenol A Administration Decreased Peripheral Insulin
Sensitivity in Healthy Adults
- Session: Friday, June 21, 2024
from 12:45 – 1:00 PM EDT
About the ADA's Scientific Sessions
The ADA's 84th
Scientific Sessions, the world's largest scientific meeting focused
on diabetes research, prevention, and care, will be held in
Orlando, FL on June 21-24. More than 11,000 leading physicians,
scientists, and health care professionals from around the world are
expected to convene both in person and virtually to unveil
cutting-edge research, treatment recommendations, and advances
toward a cure for diabetes. Attendees will receive exclusive access
to thousands of original research presentations and take part in
provocative and engaging exchanges with leading diabetes experts.
Join the Scientific Sessions conversation on social media using
#ADAScientificSessions.
About the American Diabetes Association
The American
Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation's leading voluntary health
organization fighting to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic
and help people living with diabetes thrive. For 83 years, the ADA
has driven discovery and research to treat, manage, and prevent
diabetes while working relentlessly for a cure. Through advocacy,
program development, and education we aim to improve the quality of
life for the over 136 million Americans living with diabetes or
prediabetes. Diabetes has brought us together. What we do next will
make us Connected for Life®. To learn more or to get involved,
visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES
(1-800-342-2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American
Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la
Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), Twitter
(@AmDiabetesAssn), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).
Contact:
Amy Robinson
arobinson@brgcommunications.com
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SOURCE American Diabetes Association