Originally published December 29 2005
Swedish study links diabetes and pollutants found in fatty fish
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Research conducted by the University of Lund in Sweden found that certain chemicals known as persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs), often found in contaminated fatty fish, raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
A team from the University of Lund in Sweden found people exposed to high levels of persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) seemed more at risk.
POPs are most likely to come from eating fatty fish such as salmon.
They are by-products of industrial and agricultural processes and are widespread in the environment.
The Lund team analysed blood samples from the volunteers for levels of a POP residue called CB-153, and DDE, the main by-product of DDT.
Significantly higher levels of both chemicals were found in the blood of the 6% of men and 5% of women who had type 2 diabetes.
Previous research has suggested that toxic chemicals like POPs may decrease the ability of the body's cells to take up glucose.
Researcher Dr Lars Hagmar told the BBC News website that people should not worry about eating oily fish.
He said the fishermen and their wives in the study were exposed to exceptionally high levels of pollutants.
The Baltic coast, where they ply their trade, had been heavily polluted with POPs from industry, he said.
The Baltic Sea was also surrounded by land with relatively little circulation of its waters, so pollutants were not as readily dispersed as they were in other bodies of water.
Amanda Eden, a care advisor at Diabetes UK, said: "While this study looks interesting, more extensive research is required before we can draw any firm conclusions of a link between these toxins and Type 2 diabetes.
"What we do know is that, a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
"We also recommend that people aim to eat oily fish such as salmon or mackerel twice a week as part of a healthy, balanced diet."
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