Can Sulfonylureas for Agricultural Use Cause Diabetes? A Report of Three Cases

Sulfonylureas (SUs) are commonly used as herbicides. Many farmers and other professionals use SUs for cereal, strawberry, and grape crops. This study examines the possible association between exposure to SUs herbicides and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). The study presents three cases of unrelated agronomists who had used SUs for more than three decades and developed T2D. The objective was to investigate the association between occupational dermal and inhalation exposure to herbicides and T2D. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to determine the association and to help develop prevention strategies.