Toxic Chemicals are the Missing Link in Pre-Diabetes Management

The spiral into diabetes is the result, not only of a diet too high in sugars and refined carbs as is commonly believed, but also the result of the extreme toxic burden most of us are exposed to. Our bodies simply cannot handle the hundreds of toxic chemicals found in bath and body products, pesticide reside on our food, food additives and even the water we drink. 

Science on Chemicals and Diabetes

Even if you're not a scientist, these articles are very readable for the lay person and I encourage you to click through and check them out.

1. Diabetes and Toxic Exposure (Lyn Patrick) is an interesting review of common chemicals and their impact on diabetes and blood sugar systems. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7238916/

This is an incredibly illuminating study on the massive abundance of specific chemicals and their correlation to diabetes. Click the link to see deeper discussion on chemicals like Triclosan, Phthalates, BPA, and more and what common everyday products they are found in.

From the abstract:

"The worldwide prevalence of obesity has near tripled between 1975 and 2016. Diabetes was the direct cause of an estimated 1.6 million deaths in 2015. Diabetogens, otherwise known as toxicants that cause insulin resistance in animal models and humans as a result of pancreatic β-cell damage include the persistent organochlorine pesticides trans-nonachlor, oxychlordane, and DDE -the main metabolite of DDT, as well as another class of persistent organic pollutants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Other toxicants that are now considered diabetogens: BPA, arsenic, phthalates, perfluorinates (PFOS), diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP), and dioxin (TCDD) are commonly found in the blood and urine in the CDC NHANES populations and presumed to also be commonly found in the U.S. population as a whole. A review of the literature on the risk for diabetes in epidemiologic studies considering these toxicants, challenges for clinicians using lab testing for these diabetogens, and the necessary interventions for lowering body burden of persistent toxicants are discussed."

Here's another interesting report on endocrine disruptors and diabetes:

2. Endocrine disruptor chemicals as obesogen and diabetogen: Clinical and mechanistic evidence

Kurşunoğlu NE, Sarer Yurekli BP. Endocrine disruptor chemicals as obesogen and diabetogen: Clinical and mechanistic evidence. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10(31): 11226-11239 [PMID: 36387809 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i31.11226] https://www.wjgnet.com/2307-8960/full/v10/i31/11226.htm

The authors share that "In 2021, an estimated 537 million adults worldwide were living with diabetes[5], up from 108 million in 1980[6]."

Endocrine disrupting chemicals contributing to diabetes include persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, cadmium, arsenic, triclosan (a widely used antibacterial), Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (used in carpet, clothing and flame retardants), artificial scents and fragrances, and many other common chemicals found in bath and body products and in makeup, and more.

How to Avoid Chemical Exposures

It seems we have to be incredibly rebellious against the toxic mainstream culture we all live in in order to reclaim our health. Think of it as an upgrade, a decadent journey towards finding a better way to care for ourselves and our families. There are truly so many great options out there from nontoxic bath and body products to water filters for the kitchen sink and everything in between. 

I promise you this - once you begin down the path of detoxifying your life, it will become easier. Start somewhere and begin to upgrade your products and routines. It's well worth the extra effort!

Join People + Planet Nutrition in our quest to live well as humans on earth. That often means stepping outside of the mainstream norms and finding more natural and wholesome ways to do everyday things. Join us in creating a new culture where toxic burden is a thing of the past and where clean living supports our health and the health of the planet. 

Top 6 Factors Contributing to Diabetes

Of course, diabetes is not ALL about the chemicals. It's a complex interplay of modern factors. Here are some other top risk factors for diabetes. 

1. Diet too high in sugars and refined carbs - Overloads the system so insulin can't bring all that sugar into the cells for energy production. Sugar is stored as fat. Pancreas is overworked and can lose ability to produce sufficient insulin. 

2. Processed vegetable oils impair cellular function - Vegetable oil, corn oil, rapeseed oil, canola oil take the place of healthier fats in our cell wall structure causing impairment in nutrient uptake and waste clearance. 

3. Stress - Stress is a sugar response. When we are in a state of stress, chemicals like excessive cortisol and adrenaline signal the body to dump sugar into the blood stream to make more energy to fight or flee. When stress is chronic, we develop a chronic blood sugar handling imbalance than can spiral into diabetes. 

4. Toxic exposure - A direct link between toxic exposure from a variety of common chemicals to diabetes has been proven. Toxic exposure must be reduced and actions taken to rid the body of persistent chemicals. Think pesticide residue, food additives, phlalates in bath and body products, BPA (and alternatives) from plastics, and hundreds more. 

5. Digestive impairment - It's common for the digestive system to become impaired and in many cases, the body is unable to properly digest protein and fats. ,This means the body is digesting only the sugars and refined carbs that a person is eating. This is why people who eat a balanced diet might still experience dysregulation in the sugar systems. Digestion can and should be supported and fixed in such circumstances. 

6. Nutrient Deficiencies - The blood sugar system needs us to be well nourished in order to work correctly. A few key ones are magnesium and chromium. 

Next Steps

Are you ready to stabilize your blood sugar systems once and for all? Start with the dietary recommendations in our Nourish + Flow program.

Review the Detoxify Your Life module in Nourish + Flow for tons of info and practical tips.

Movement is also super important. I love quick bursts of vigorous movement as soon as you wake up and throughout the day. This can look like running place for 30 seconds, jumping jacks or sit ups. Also longer versions of movement are important like taking a walk, yoga, weight lifting or whatever is appropriate and feels good for your body. 

Do a detox protocol. Sweat regularly. Infrared sauna. Epsom salt baths. More complex supplement protocols can also help pull sticky chemicals out of the body.

Need support on this? Let us know!