PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Linked to Type 2 Diabetes in New Study

35 Million Americans Suffer from Diabetes — Are PFAS Chemicals Involved?

35 Million Americans Suffer from Diabetes — Are PFAS Chemicals Involved?

A recent report published in a peer-reviewed medical journal has revealed that Type 2 diabetes may be linked to PFAS exposure. Over 35 million Americans suffer from the disease. 

Multiple studies and expert reviews have confirmed clear associations between PFAS and serious health conditions.

A Growing Health Crisis: 35 Million Americans Affected

Common PFAS-related health risks include:

  • Kidney cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Ulcerative colitis (UC)
  • Thyroid and liver problems
  • High cholesterol
  • Immune system suppression
  • Pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure and low birth weight

These conditions often appear years after exposure, making early identification and action critical. 

Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers are actively investigating claims related to PFAS exposure and filing PFAS lawsuits on behalf of potential victims. If you believe you may have a claim related to PFAS exposure and kidney cancer, testicular cancer, or ulcerative colitis, please call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review.

What Are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also called “forever chemicals,” are man-made substances developed in the 1940s. Their resistance to heat, water, and grease made them popular in thousands of products, including nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, fast food packaging, carpet, and even cosmetics. AFFF “firefighting foam” also contains high levels of PFAS chemicals.

The problem? These chemicals don’t break down. They remain in the environment and the human body for decades. Studies show that the vast majority of Americans have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood.

A Growing Health Crisis: 35 Million Americans Affected

A recent report revealed that more than 35 million Americans suffer from diabetes, a disease now linked to PFAS exposure. Multiple studies and expert reviews have confirmed clear associations between PFAS and serious health conditions.

Common PFAS-related health risks include:

  • Kidney cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Thyroid and liver problems
  • High cholesterol
  • Immune system suppression
  • Pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure and low birth weight

These conditions often appear years after exposure, making early identification and action critical.

Medical Awareness Is Catching Up

National Findings

A comprehensive national review found strong evidence that PFAS exposure is linked to several illnesses, particularly cancers and reproductive harm. While PFAS was once considered safe, the shift in scientific consensus is pushing the medical field (and PFAS lawsuit attorneys) to act more urgently.

Doctors Responding to Community Need

In PFAS “hotspots,” especially near military bases or industrial zones, doctors are beginning to incorporate PFAS testing into routine care. These communities often have well water or soil contamination that went unnoticed for decades.

Clinicians are now being trained to:

  • Order appropriate blood tests
  • Interpret PFAS exposure levels
  • Discuss long-term health impacts with patients
  • Recommend water filters and lifestyle adjustments
  • Navigate insurance coverage for testing

While these practices are new and not yet universal, they represent a major step toward better care and prevention.

Real-World Impact

Many families are just now discovering the extent of their exposure  — often after a loved one is diagnosed with a chronic illness.

For example:

  • Families living near contaminated farmland or military bases have recorded some of the highest blood PFAS levels nationwide.
  • Some were unknowingly exposed for decades through their tap water or soil.
  • Most doctors were not trained to recognize PFAS-related symptoms, meaning exposure often went undiagnosed.

Now, people are demanding answers  —  and help.

What Should You Do If You’ve Been Exposed?

Know Your Risk

You may be at risk if you:

  • Live near a military base, airport, or industrial site
  • Rely on well water in an area with known contamination
  • Worked in manufacturing, firefighting, or agriculture
  • Used products known to contain PFAS regularly

Consider Getting Tested

Testing options include:

  • In-clinic blood tests for PFAS levels
  • At-home testing kits (less common, but available)
  • Lab analysis for household water

If you believe you’ve been exposed, ask your doctor about testing. Some states are now requiring insurance providers to cover PFAS-related medical exams.

Document Everything

If you’ve developed a condition linked to PFAS, start gathering:

  • Medical records
  • Water testing results
  • Employment history (especially in affected industries)
  • Purchase history of known PFAS products
  • Any correspondence from local health or environmental agencies

This documentation could be important for your health  —  and any legal claim you may pursue.

Legal and Legislative Updates

PFAS litigation is growing nationwide. Victims are beginning to hold manufacturers accountable for failing to warn the public and for contaminating water supplies.

At the same time, legislation is catching up:

  • Some states have passed laws requiring PFAS testing in water systems.
  • The EPA has set limits for six PFAS compounds in drinking water.
  • Compliance deadlines are being pushed to 2026–2031 in some areas.

This legal momentum means affected individuals and families may now have new options for relief and compensation.

How Riddle & Riddle Can Help

At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we are actively reviewing PFAS exposure cases. Our team understands the science, the medical issues, and the legal process needed to pursue these complex claims.

We offer:

  • Free case reviews for potential PFAS-related injuries
  • Help connecting medical records to exposure sources
  • Thorough investigations of workplace, residential, or consumer-based exposure
  • Legal representation on a contingency fee basis  —  you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case

If you or a loved one has been harmed by PFAS exposure, we want to help you understand your options.

Call for a Free Case Review

Chemical manufacturers made billions while putting American health at risk. Now, families across the country are living with the consequences. If you suspect PFAS exposure may be responsible for a serious medical condition, call Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers at 1-800-525-7111.

We are here to help you seek justice, hold negligent parties accountable, and protect your future. Don’t wait — your case may be time sensitive. Call us today at 1-800-525-7111 and learn why at Riddle & Riddle, Justice Counts™. 

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer from Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina today. We have twelve convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.

Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 876-3020

Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 486-5824

Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 728-1770

Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529
(800) 525-7111

Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
(336) 516-9066

Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 397-8620

Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
(919) 778-9700

Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 455-5599

Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 397-8624

Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
(910) 387-9186

Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 889-4064

Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 516-9042