"These findings, coupled with those concerning diabetes prevalence, suggest that OC [organochlorine] pesticides and nondioxin-like PCBs may be associated with type 2 diabetes risk by increasing insulin resistance, and POPs may interact with obesity to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes."

Why do environmental toxins or POPs contribute to insulin resistance  and diabetes? POPs are endocrine disruptors. They interfere with the normal function of the body's hormones in many ways.  

POPs also poison cellular energy production. A study on rats examined the effects of the commonly-used herbicide called Atrazine. One group of rats was given very small doses of Atrazine in their food. Another group was not. Both groups of rats ate the same amount of food and got the same amount of physical activity. Atrazine was found to damage mitochondria, the parts of cells where 95% of the body's energy is produced. The Atrazine-exposed group had lower basal metabolic rate, increased body weight and body fat, and insulin resistance. To reiterate, without a change in diet or exercise, toxicity impaired energy production, caused fat gain, and resulted in insulin resistance - the precursor to diabetes. 

So, what can be done about the toxicity-diabetes connection. Each case needs to be tailored but a few simple changes will help. Choose organic food and use a water filtration system to limit toxin consumption. Not only is the water you drink important but the water you bathe in is as well because toxins enter through the skin and are inhaled in water vapor. Contact me if you would like recommendations on water filtration systems.  

If a good functional medicine evaluation finds toxicity to be an issue (for example, a high-normal GGT level)  there are a number of nutrients that are important. Reduced glutathione (Recancostat) or its precursors are key. Other nutrients and other detoxification treatments are often important and are best recommended based on a thorough evaluation.