Processed foods are rich in calories and sugar are known to trigger diabetes. However, diabetes was not caused due to excess calories. Scientists have found that many chemicals used in perfumes, candles and other products associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

In a study published in the journal Diabetes Care, researchers found an association between diabetes with chemicals commonly used in artificial fragrance, wax and plastic to store food. Chemicals called “phthalates” is known to be associated with a variety of other dangerous diseases such as autism, weight gain, infertility and some cancers.

The study found that slightly elevated levels of phthalates have been able to increase 2-fold risk of diabetes. Because diabetes is a hormonal disease, phthalates can disrupt hormones appear to interfere with hormone production of the study participants.

“Although it still needs to be confirmed by larger studies, our findings support the hypothesis that chemicals from the environment can lead to diabetes,” said Monica Lind, professor of environmental medicine at the department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Uppsala University as reported Rodale.com.

In physical examination, participants were tested in blood sugar and insulin levels during fasting. Blood samples were then analyzed to determine the toxicity of the environment, including phthalates. Diabetes is found more experienced participants who were overweight and had high blood fats.

But, the researchers also found an association between phthalate levels in the blood with an increased risk of diabetes, even after accounting for other risk such as obesity, blood lipids, smoking and exercise habits.

Individuals whose blood contains phthalates have diabetes risk 2-fold more than those with low levels of ftalatnya. Researchers also found that certain types of phthalates associated with impaired insulin production in the pancreas.

“To determine if phthalate is really a risk factor for diabetes, further research is needed to show a similar relationship. Experimental studies in animals and cells are also necessary to know what mechanisms may underlie this relationship,” said Monica Lind.

Many people breathe and phthalate contamination in everyday life through the material in plastics, perfumes and cosmetic products. Phthalates are added in many products, ranging from perfumes, soaps, shampoo, deodorant and hairspray.

Phthalates are usually not listed on product labels because the chemicals that are added below a set amount can be called with a fragrance or aroma. This term may contain 7000 or more chemicals.