Can everyday plastics affect blood sugar? What experts say

Some chemicals in plastic can mess with the way our bodies work, and scientists are studying whether they can affect blood sugar.

Blood sugar is how our bodies get energy from the food we eat.

When our bodies cannot handle blood sugar properly, it can lead to a sickness called diabetes.

Everyday things like food packaging, plastic containers, and non-stick pans can contain these chemicals.

The most studied chemical is called BPA, and it has the strongest link to diabetes in scientific studies.

Other chemical groups, called phthalates and PFAS, also show possible links, but the evidence is less certain.

Scientists say these chemicals are much less important than eating healthy food, exercising, and keeping a healthy weight.

People who are pregnant, very young children, and people with prediabetes may need to be most careful.

Choosing fresh foods and not heating food in plastic containers are simple ways to lower exposure.