Environmental Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, Pancreatic β-Cells, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

To clarify the link between environmental pollution and diabetes risk by focusing on pancreatic β-cells as key targets of environmental insults, with emphasis on the role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in pancreatic dysfunction and diabetes pathogenesis.

This narrative review synthesises recent research on EDCs, focusing on their effects on β-cells. The literature search included studies in English on EDCs, diabetes, and β-cell function, utilising Boolean operators to refine the search.

EDCs impair β-cell function through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and epigenetic changes. These pollutants disrupt insulin synthesis, secretion, and β-cell survival, which is distinct from their general metabolic effects. Additionally, EDCs may interact synergistically with traditional diabetes risk factors, such as high-fat diets, amplifying the risk of diabetes.

Environmental pollutants play a significant role in β-cell dysfunction and diabetes, offering new directions for research and prevention.