Amidst the modern landscape of plastics and consumer products, BPA (Bisphenol A) has emerged as a ubiquitous chemical, raising concerns about its potential health impacts. Recent scientific inquiries have delved into the relationship between BPA exposure and the rising incidence of diabetes. This article embarks on a comprehensive exploration, unraveling the intricate connections between BPA exposure and the heightened risk of diabetes. Join us in dissecting the scientific evidence, understanding the nuances, and gaining insights into how this prevalent chemical may impact our susceptibility to diabetes.

Bisphenol A, also known as BPA has been the buzzword of scientists, researchers, health organizations and governments for the last 10 years. A plethora of papers and research has been conducted into the health implications for humans who have become over exposed to BPA through a variety of mechanisms.

BPA was the component in plastic that gave it a solid structure and glossy shine, although when it was first discovered and used in products, the manufactures had no idea of the wide reaching health implications of their actions.

The Potential Health Impacts Of BPA

It is suggested that BPA is an endocrine disruptor and can inhibit key developmental stages in foetus development. It does this through mimicking oestrogen and binding with its receptors. Scientists also believe that over exposure in pregnant women can increase genetic problems in the baby which will then be passed down through the family.  It has also been linked to later stage development and it is suggested that there is link between BPA and anxiety.

Other Not So Well Know Impacts Of BPA

Scientists and researchers have known for a while that BPA can impact foetal development and inhibit key biomechanical messages being delivered. However, new research is suggestive of the fact that exposure to BPA can also health issues in adults.

Diabetes Type Two

Type two diabetes is a disease often thought of as one that comes out of unhealthy eating habits and sedentary life style. Type two diabetes is where the human bodies blood glucose (sugar) rises to higher than normal levels and becomes hyperglycaemic. Type two diabetes results in the body not being able to use insulin correctly and unable to produce it to the levels needed to function effectively. There are multiple medications available for type two diabetics but the disease is unfortunately irreversible.

The pancreas creates insulin in humans which then regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. It is when the pancreas can no longer keep up and produce enough insulin to keep up that issues start occurring. Research into cumulative and long exposure to BPA is beginning to show that it can impact on the bodies mechanism to deal with sugar in the blood. The data suggests that exposure to BPA is limiting the body’s ability to respond to glucose. 

The research is still new and ongoing at this stage, but some Universities have found a correlation between insulin resistance (where the body won’t regulate the amount of sugar in the blood) and exposure to BPA.

Where is BPA?

Up until a few years ago, BPA was everywhere, it was in plastic bottles, food containers and components in hygiene products. Now we are more aware of the adverse effects of BPA, large amounts of food containers, water and other soft drinks bottles come with a sticker showing they are BPA free. But what about food makers? There are so many components to them that they may not be BPA free.

What Can I Switch In My House?

What is something that you use almost every day and would be lost without? If the answer is your trusty coffee maker, then let’s look at how you can have a BPA free one in your home.

BPA Free Coffee Makers

Some coffee makers come advertised as being BPA free, whilst this is sometimes the case, not all of the BPA freed ones come labelled, and there are also so many components in coffee makers so you want to be sure. Look for labels that state is it’s a bpa free coffee maker, if this brings up coffee makers you don’t want, you can look to stainless steel alternatives, that way there is no plastic in the machine. If a stainless-steel coffer maker isn’t an option for you, look for ones that don’t allow any of the water or coffee to touch plastic. This way. You are limiting your exposure to BPA that may potentially be in the plastic of the machine or in the resin used to give it that shine.

Final Thoughts

New research is coming to light about the link between BPA and Type Two Diabetes, making one small change in your home to a best suited coffee maker may well make all the difference. Look for either plastic free coffee makers, or ones that don’t allow the coffee or the water to touch plastic.