Endocrine disruptors, insulin resistance, and diabetes

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are compounds that interfere with hormone synthesis, secretion, metabolism, or excretion. Evidence indicates that increased exposure to EDCs is associated with insulin resistance and, most notably, type 2 diabetes worldwide. This suggests a diabetogenic effect that is independent of obesity, underscoring the complex mechanisms and broad impact of EDCs on metabolic health. Key pathways include hormone mimicry and antagonism, altered hormone metabolism, inflammatory responses, and mitochondrial dysfunction. This review summarises the mechanisms through which EDCs contribute to these conditions and evaluates the epidemiological and experimental evidence supporting these associations.