Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and type 2 diabetes

Abstract

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is escalating worldwide and it has been suggested that exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates, contributes to the alarming increase. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is used as a plasticizer in a variety of everyday products; thus humans are constantly exposed to it. Animal studies have associated DEHP with adverse health effects such as reproduction and developmental toxicity, carcinogenicity and metabolic disruption. Concerns over the potential for similar adverse effects in humans are mounting. Recent reviews have reported the link between exposure to a broad set of phthalates and diabetes as well as diabetes-related metabolic conditions. This review evaluates the available information in the literature regarding the association between DEHP exposure and type 2 diabetes and related metabolic conditions, specifically insulin resistance and obesity.