Food packed in polythene, vegetables-pulses packed in polythene, and packed juice or biscuits can cause diabetes. This claim has been made in the study of SN Medical College located in Agra. The study found that women who consumed food packed in plastic during pregnancy had a higher risk of gestational diabetes.
According to the news published in Hindustan newspaper, the Medicine Department had started a study on pregnant women to find out other causes of diabetes. A total of 50 women were included in the study, out of which 30 women were sampled. Five of these women were found to have gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Generally, four to 18 percent of pregnant women suffer from diabetes. The good thing is that after delivery, diabetes goes away on its own in 90 percent of women.
The study found that women who had gestational diabetes had more habit of eating food packed in plastic items. These women said that they often eat food on plastic plates, glasses, and bowls. They also often carry vegetables, pulses, juice, or biscuits packed in polythene.
How does plastic increase the risk of diabetes?
The study found that a chemical called 'Bisphenol-A' (BPA) is used in plastic and polythene. This chemical gets mixed with food and causes many diseases. The immunity of women decreases during pregnancy, hence this disease takes hold.
What is bisphenol A
Bisphenol A is a hormone-disrupting chemical. It affects the hormones of the body. This may hinder the production of insulin. Insulin is a hormone, which controls the blood sugar level in the body. Due to the effect of BPA, the risk of blood sugar level may increase and diabetes may occur.
What should pregnant women do?
The study found that pregnant women should avoid food packed in plastic items. They should cook food at home or eat it with steel, glass, or earthen utensils. Pregnant women should also avoid drinking water in plastic bottles. They should drink water in steel or glass bottles.
(PC: Freepik)
