Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a potential link between common plastic-associated chemicals and the risk of developing diabetes in women. The findings, reported in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, add to a growing body of evidence about how everyday chemical exposures may influence metabolic health.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals widely used to make plastics flexible. They appear in a range of consumer products, including cosmetics, fragrances, personal care items, and toys. Prior investigations have connected phthalate exposure with lowered fertility and various endocrine disturbances, prompting ongoing attention from scientists and public health officials about their broader health implications.
In the Michigan study, researchers tracked a cohort of 1,308 women over six years to observe how exposure to phthalates might relate to the onset of diabetes. Diabetes was diagnosed in 5% of participants during the follow-up period. To estimate exposure, the team measured phthalate metabolites in participants’ urine, providing a snapshot of internal levels over time and enabling comparisons across groups.
Among the findings, women who were White and had higher levels of certain phthalates showed a notably increased risk of developing diabetes, with estimates ranging from roughly 30% to 63% higher odds compared with peers with lower exposure. In contrast, the study found that diabetes risk among Black and Asian women did not appear to be linked to phthalate levels in the same way, suggesting that other factors may modulate risk in these populations or that exposure patterns differed in ways that did not translate into the same diabetes risk observed in White participants.
The researchers emphasized that phthalates are encountered daily in many environments, so understanding their potential health consequences is important for public health. The study underscores the need for continued exploration into how chronic, low-level exposure to common plasticizers might interact with other biological factors to influence metabolic outcomes such as diabetes. Researchers also note that measurement using urine metabolites reflects recent exposure, which can vary over time, and that longer-term assessment or repeated measurements could provide a more nuanced picture of cumulative exposure and risk.
These results contribute to a broader conversation about how everyday chemical exposure affects health at the population level. While the findings point to a possible association between phthalate exposure and diabetes risk in certain groups, they do not establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship. Additional research in diverse populations, with robust control for confounding variables such as age, body weight, diet, physical activity, and genetic factors, will help clarify whether phthalates independently contribute to diabetes risk or interact with other risk factors to drive outcomes. Public health guidance remains focused on reducing unnecessary exposure to phthalates where feasible and promoting product choices that limit reliance on certain plastifying chemicals, particularly for products used by children and pregnant individuals. In the meantime, individuals concerned about exposure can check ingredient lists on cosmetics and household products and consider simple steps to minimize contact when practical, such as using phthalate-free alternatives and practicing good ventilation in indoor spaces where scented products are used.
Ultimately, the study adds a meaningful thread to the evolving understanding of how everyday chemical exposures might shape health trajectories. By continuing to monitor exposure patterns and their health implications across different populations, researchers aim to inform policies, consumer choices, and clinical recommendations that safeguard metabolic health while acknowledging the realities of modern life.