Relationship between Pesticide Exposure and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Farmers: Systematic Review

A metabolic disorder known as diabetes mellitus is brought on when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin. Diabetes mellitus has a multifactorial pathogenesis, one of which is environmental pollution caused by agricultural chemicals such as pesticides. Pollutants contained in pesticides can act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals which can disrupt the endocrine system in the body. EDC into the body through exposure to pesticides through the respiratory, skin, and digestive systems. In the next process, it enters the organs of the body, namely, the pancreas. The absorbed EDC affects beta cells in producing insulin hormones. Insulin deficiency leads to high blood sugar levels, resulting in type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to determine the relationship between pesticide exposure and the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among farmers. This study was conducted using a systematic review of the research method. The keywords used in the journal search were “pesticide and diabetes mellitus and farmers”. Eight articles met our inclusion criteria. Based on the results of a literature study, the working period, spraying frequency, physical activity, amount of pesticides, and use of personal protective equipment were related to the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in farmers. From the eight articles reviewed, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between exposure to pesticides and the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in farmers.