Diabetes: Why golfers are more likely to become diabetic

People who like to get out on the golf course for a round or two – thinking they are doing some good for their health – are actually increasing their chances of diabetes.

Researchers have discovered that the pesticides commonly used on golf courses and other public areas can double the risk of diabetes.  Pesticides that contain the chemical trichlorfon are especially associated with diabetes, and are to be added to the other known risks, such as obesity and diet.

Trichlorfon is an organo-phosphate insecticide that is used by professional groundsmen to maintain turf, such as golf courses, and it is also sold to the public.  Not surprisingly, the greatest at-risk group is gardeners and others who regularly work with the pesticides. 

Researchers from America’s National Institutes of Health estimate that the risk can be as high as 200 per cent in workers who are exposed to the pesticides for more than 100 days in their working life.

(Source:  National Institutes of Health: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/releases/2008/longterm.cfm)