Regular exposure to PFAS , or ‘forever chemicals,’ may increase the risk for type 2 diabetes, a new study finds.Researchers say these manmade chemicals may disrupt the body’s metabolism, leading to problems with blood sugar regulation.PFAS (per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances) are used in many consumer products -- from nonstick cookware to food packaging to stain-resistant fabric.The researchers compared blood samples from 180 people recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to 180 individuals without the condition.According to the results, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes rose by 31% as PFAS levels increased from low to moderate and from moderate to high.Additional metabolic testing revealed possible reasons for the association. The researchers found PFAS may impair how the body creates amino acids, the building blocks of protein, and how it breaks down medications.The senior author says, “Mounting research suggests that PFAS are a risk factor for several chronic diseases, such as obesity, liver disease, and diabetes.”He says these new findings underscore the importance of preventing PFAS exposures to promote public health.Global talks on whether limiting PFAS should be included in a legally-binding UN plastics treaty are scheduled for this August in Geneva.Source: eBioMedicine, The LancetAuthor Affiliations: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Stanford University School of Medicine .Sign up for our weekly HealthDay newsletter