The Relationship between Phthalates and Diabetes: A Review

Since the beginning of their production, in the 1930s, phthalates have been widely used in the plastics industry to provide durability and elasticity to polymers that would otherwise be rigid, or as solvents in hygiene and cosmetic products. Taking into account their wide range of applications, it is easy to understand why their use has been increasing over the years, making them ubiquitous in the environment. This way, all living organisms are easily exposed to these compounds, which have already been classified as endocrine disruptor compounds (EDC), affecting hormone homeostasis. Along with this increase in phthalate-containing products, the incidence of several metabolic diseases has also been rising, namely diabetes. That said, and considering that factors such as obesity and genetics are not enough to explain this substantial increase, it has been proposed that the exposure to environmental contaminants may also be a risk factor for diabetes. Thus, the aim of this work is to review whether there is an association between the exposure to phthalates and the development of the several forms of diabetes mellitus, during pregnancy, childhood, and adulthood.

Automated summary

Phthalates have been widely used in the plastics industry since the 1930s, providing durability and elasticity and serving as solvents in hygiene and cosmetic products. Due to their widespread use, these compounds have become ubiquitous in the environment, exposing all living organisms. They have been classified as endocrine disruptor compounds and may contribute to the rising incidence of metabolic diseases, including diabetes. This work aims to review the association between phthalate exposure and the development of diabetes mellitus in various stages of life.