Are PFAS tied to glycemic control in people with diabetes?

What's actually in it

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used to make products resistant to water, grease, and stains. They don't break down in the environment or your body. Because of this, they build up over time. You can find them in nonstick pans, food packaging, and even treated fabrics.

What the research says

The science is clear that these chemicals interfere with how your body manages blood sugar. A 2026 study in Food Chem Toxicol confirms a direct link between PFAS exposure and the risk of developing gestational diabetes.

Further evidence shows exactly how this happens. A 2026 study in Sci Rep found that PFAS exposure disrupts specific proteins in the body, known as PPARs and L-FABP, which are key to regulating metabolism and blood sugar. This mediation explains why exposure to these chemicals is tied to higher rates of diabetes during pregnancy.

While other chemicals like bisphenols and phthalates are also linked to type 2 diabetes through changes in your DNA, as noted in a 2026 study in Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, the evidence regarding PFAS specifically highlights their role in disrupting metabolic pathways. These findings are part of a growing body of peer-reviewed research showing that the chemicals we use every day have real, measurable impacts on our health.