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A recent study presented at the American Diabetes Association's annual meeting highlights concerns that drinking water from plastic bottles containing Bisphenol A (BPA) may increase the risk of diabetes by reducing insulin sensitivity in adults.

Researchers from California Polytechnic State University found that even at levels deemed safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), BPA negatively impacted insulin sensitivity among study participants over a four-day period.

BPA, commonly used in the production of plastics for consumer products like bottles and food containers, has been linked to hormonal disruptions that elevate the risk of type 2 diabetes.

"We were surprised to see that reducing BPA exposure, such as using stainless steel or glass bottles and BPA-free cans, may lower diabetes risk," said Todd Hagobian, chair of kinesiology and public health at California Polytechnic State University.

The study involved 40 healthy young adults, half of whom received BPA at the FDA's recommended safe dose, while the other half received a placebo. While body weight and blood sugar levels did not significantly differ between the groups, those exposed to BPA showed a notable decline in insulin sensitivity compared to the placebo group.

"These results suggest that maybe the U.S. EPA safe dose should be reconsidered and that healthcare providers could suggest these changes to patients," Hagobian emphasized, according to Saipan Tribune.

Although the FDA maintains the safety of BPA for current food container uses, concerns persist regarding its potential health impacts. BPA was previously banned in baby bottles and sippy cups due to developmental concerns in children.

Dr. Robert Gabbay, chief scientific and medical officer of the American Diabetes Association, underscored the importance of public health policies in light of rising diabetes rates in the U.S.

"This is only the beginning of highlighting the need for informed public health recommendations and policies." Gabbay stated.

Future research could explore the effects of lower BPA doses over extended periods and whether aerobic exercise could mitigate BPA's negative health effects, offering potential strategies for reducing diabetes risk associated with environmental exposures.

The findings presented at the conference are considered preliminary until they undergo peer-reviewed publication in a scientific journal.