No Clear Link Between BPA, Diabetes

SHANGHAINew research carried out at the Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine found while there is an association between the highest urinary levels of bisphenol A and diabetes, there is no clear link between BPA and diabetes at lower levels, according to a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

The researchers tested urinary concentrations of BPA and blood glucose levels in 3,423 residents 40 and older to examine the association between BPA exposure and self-reported type 2 diabetes. They also measured blood sugar levels. They used statistics to see whether they could detect an association between higher BPA levels and blood sugar levels that are a feature of type 2 diabetes.

The researchers found an association between the highest urinary levels of BPA and diabetes; however, there was no clear association between BPA and diabetes at lower levels.

Based on results, they could not confirm a previously reported association between BPA and diabetes. They said additional studies are needed to draw a more definitive conclusion about the safety of BPA.

The recent findings support last years research on BPA levels in foods and baby products by consumer group Choice maintained that levels of exposure to BPA are safe and dont pose a significant health risk.