NEW YORK: Exposure to “forever chemicals,” officially known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), could significantly raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to new research led by Mount Sinai scientists. The findings were published this week in eBioMedicine, sparking renewed concern over the health effects of everyday environmental chemicals.
The study examined data from the BioMe database, which includes health records of over 70,000 individuals treated at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City since 2007. Researchers selected 180 people recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and compared them with 180 matched controls without diabetes, considering age, sex, and ancestry.
Blood samples revealed that individuals with higher PFAS levels had a 31 percent increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. PFAS are widely used in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and waterproof materials—making exposure almost unavoidable.
The research team also uncovered that PFAS may impact the body’s metabolic processes, particularly amino acid biosynthesis and drug metabolism. These disruptions could interfere with how the body manages blood sugar, offering clues into the mechanism behind the observed increase in diabetes risk.
Experts say the findings highlight the urgent need for stronger regulation and reduced exposure to PFAS to protect public health. As awareness grows around the long-lasting effects of these synthetic substances, researchers continue to explore how they contribute to chronic disease development.
