Diabetes Linked to Pesticides

Pesticides have been linked to health problems like diabetes

Recent studies have confirmed an interesting link between the development of diabetes and pesticide exposure.

Medpage Today reported that a review of 13 studies on type 2 diabetes found that "people exposed to pesticides such as DDT were 61% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes." Another analysis of 22 studies found "the risk of developing type 2 diabetes was still significantly higher by about 58%" in those exposed to pesticides.

One of the scientists noted, "How diabetes develops is considered to be an interplay between genetic and environmental factors...Emerging evidence suggests that environmental contaminants -- including pesticides -- may play an important role in the [development] of diabetes."

A separate study linked exposure to pesticides during early pregnancy to a 4.4 times increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.

It shouldn't be surprising that using chemicals to poison parts of our environment can have significant effects on our health. The similarity of these chemicals to our body's hormones can potentially cause far-ranging negative effects on our health.

You can start reducing your family's pesticide exposure by using the dirty dozen chart.

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