Aim: Presentation of existing data on the possible relationship between exposure to BPA and the development of diabetes mellitus.
Materials and methods: Systematic approach of the available scientific literature on the problem.
Results: Bisphenol A is a chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics. It has estrogenic activity and belongs to the group of endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Studies conducted in animals have shown that BPA may lead to impaired insulin and glucose tolerance, hyperinsulinemia, abnormal β cell function and reduced insulin sensitivity. In addition, in cultured human adipocytes has been found that BPA decrease the release of adiponectin, involved in the regulation of blood sugar levels.
Analyzing the data from human studies, which are mainly cross-sectional, researchers make different and contradictory conclusions regarding the possible correlation between the amount of BPA in the urine (a measure of exposure to BPA) and the development of diabetes.
Inappropriate extrapolation of data from animal studies, and the possibility a number of factors to influence the conduct and interpretation of epidemiological studies hinder the identification and understand the relationship bisphenol A - diabetes.
Conclusions: It`s necessary to introduce of precise and clear principles in conducting epidemiological studies of BPA and in the interpretation of results from animal studies. Despite existing controversy on the subject, it`s requiring active research to determine the full extent BPA effects on human health, given the ever-increasing exposure to BPA.
Email this article (Login required) 
