Diabetes and endocrine disrupting chemicals

Diabetes is a disease that ensues when the body fails to produce or use insulin appropriately. This disease currently affects more than 6% of the U.S. population (21 million people). The international Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates there are 246 million people with diabetes worldwide in 2007 compared with 194 million in 2003. The following IDF data indicate the scope of the worldwide diabetes epidemic. I55l 

Diabetes is primarily concentrated in urban areas and is mostly prevalent in people who are obese, eat an unhealthy diet, and live sedentary lifestyles. The highest diabetes prevalences are in North America (9.2%) and Europe (8.4%)J551 

The most prevalent form of diabetes, which accounts for 85-95% of all cases, is type 2 diabetes, defined by reduced insulin production and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when increasing quantities of insulin are required to regulate the transport of plasma glucose to body tissues. It is often accompanied by obesity, which elevates the free fatty acid levels in blood serum and is thought to induce insulin resistance. I56l 

Recent research into the biology of adipose tissue has revealed that adipose is not simply an energy storage site, but that it also secretes a variety of molecular species that affect the body s metabolism. Adipocytes are cells contained in adipose tissue that have been shown to be endocrine cells that secrete a number of bioactive substances called adipocytokines. 

Testosterone is known to affect body fat distribution and insulin sensitivity in men. Testosterone administration has been shown to reduce total fat mass and improve insulin sensitivity. ]6°1 

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