Chemicals in cosmetics may increase risk of diabetes in women: Study

The presence of phthalates in cosmetics and beauty care products, such as moisturisers, nail polishes, soaps, hair sprays and perfumes, are said to increase the risk of diabetes in women, according to a new study conducted by researchers.

Researchers led by Tamarra James-Todd, from Division of Women’s Health at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, said that the phthalates is a harmful chemical which is said to disrupt endocrine or hormone system in humans and animals.

The research was conducted on 2,350 women by analysing their urinary concentrations of the chemical, as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Phthalates are also said to cause tumours, birth defects and other developmental disorders, according to the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

The university, in a statement, said the study showed that phthalates can cause learning disabilities, severe attention deficit disorder, cognitive and brain development problems, deformations of the body (including limbs); sexual development problems and also feminising of males or masculine effects on females.

Researchers found that women with higher levels of phthalates in their urine are more likely to have diabetes; and the highest levels of the specific phthalates could double the risk of diabetes, as compared to women with the lowest levels of those chemicals.

James-Todd said the research was an important first step in exploring the connection between phthalates and diabetes.

"We know that in addition to being present in personal care products, phthalates also exist in certain types of medical devices and medication that is used to treat diabetes and this could also explain the higher level of phthalates in diabetic women," added James-Todd.