Arta Medica (Nov 2020)
CHEMICALS AS OCCUPATIONAL RISK FACTORS FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES
Abstract
Objectives. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most serious socio-economic, medico-social and demographic problems, characterized by a chronic evolution, a tendency to progress and the development of complications. Out of all the etiological determinants of diabetes, some of the least studied are chemical factors. The aim of the study was to bring arguments for the initiation of scientific studies on the impact of chemicals in the occupational environment in the onset of type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods. This paper presents generalized data from various scientific studies on the effects of chemicals, as occupational risk factors in the etiology of type 2 diabetes, for the period 2011-2018. Results and discussions. According to the available data, there are about 1000 currently known chemicals that can affect the endocrine system. The most studied are: polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, some chemical components of polluted air, bisphenol-A, phthalates and flame retardants, heavy metals, etc. Exposure to chemicals is relatively high at production work sites and in a polluted environment. In addition to all known chemicals that disrupt the normal functionality of the endocrine system, there are a multitude of other substances, or combinations of chemicals, with the same properties, but which have never been studied from this point of view. This fact indicates the need for further research on the pathogenesis of diabetes in relation to the level of exposure to various chemicals, including the production work environment. Conclusions. The results of the analysis of the dedicated literature, regarding the scientific studies, carried out at international level, in the field of impact evaluation of chemicals, in the genesis of type 2 diabetes, reveal that the approached issue remains current and the primary prevention measures of this disease need argumentation and scientific evidence.
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