Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—often referred to as "forever chemicals"—has been linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a recently published study by Mount Sinai researchers in eBioMedicine.
eBioMedicineThe research team conducted this analysis within BioMe, a comprehensive health records database containing information on over 70,000 participants who have sought medical care at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City since 2007.
The study involved examining 180 individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and comparing them to 180 similar people without diabetes. Participants were matched based on age, sex, and ancestry.
Scientists measured PFAS levels in blood samples—a group of chemicals used in everything from non-stick cookware to stain-resistant furniture and waterproof clothing—and observed that higher concentrations of PFAS correlated with a greater risk of future T2D development.
Specifically, each increase in PFAS exposure was associated with a 31% rise in risk. The researchers also found potential metabolic disturbances in amino acid biosynthesis and drug metabolism that may explain how PFAS affects blood sugar regulation.
"PFAS are synthetic chemicals resistant to heat, oil, water, and stains found in numerous everyday consumer products," explained Vishal Midya, Ph.D., MStat, the study's corresponding author and Assistant Professor of Environmental Medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
"Since they do not degrade easily, PFAS accumulate in both the environment and human bodies. Our research is among the first to explore how these chemicals may disturb metabolism and increase diabetes risk—especially in diverse US populations."
The study emphasizes the importance of preventing PFAS exposure for public health benefits and advancing understanding of metabolic mechanisms affected by these chemicals.
"This research uses an exposomics framework to identify environmental impacts causing metabolic changes that lead to type 2 diabetes development in vulnerable US groups," said Damaskini Valvi, MD, Ph.D., MPH, senior study author and Associate Professor of Public Health and Environmental Medicine at Icahn School of Medicine.
"The findings can help develop more effective intervention strategies for early prevention of type 2 diabetes by considering individual exposures to environmental chemicals along with known genetic, clinical, and lifestyle factors related to diabetes development."
Growing evidence suggests PFAS may contribute to various chronic diseases like obesity, liver disease, and diabetes.
The researchers advocate for more exposome research that integrates environmental and genetic data to better understand how environmental exposures influence human metabolism and chronic disease risk.
They also call for larger studies with diverse participant populations across different life stages—from preconception to elderly—to assess environmental health impacts throughout the lifespan, especially during vulnerable periods.