A new review article entitled “Dietary formaldehyde: a silent aggravator of diabetes and cognitive impairments” was published on August 19, 2025 in the journal Nutrition & Diabetes, part of the Nature group. Authored by Hanyuan Xu, Haishu Chen, Yihao Li, Tiancheng Luo, Danrui Zhao, Xiaoxiao Chen, Haozhan Zhang, Xinyun Hu, Hui Xu, Yiquan Wang, Yangping Shentu, and Zhiqian Tong, the study explores a mechanism that has so far received little attention: the role of formaldehyde in diabetes and related cognitive impairments.
Formaldehyde accumulates (in circulation, liver, spleen, and brain) in the presence of diabetes, contributing to a vicious circle with hyperglycemia that further stimulates its production.
It acts on three distinct fronts: altering the functional conformation of insulin; reducing the expression of the insulin receptor; and modifying its structure, thereby worsening insulin resistance.
In addition, formaldehyde interferes with NMDA brain receptors, impairing cognitive function and aggravating insulin resistance at the cerebral level.
The study proposes an innovative idea: enhancing the activity of “formaldehyde scavengers” could become a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetes mellitus.
Formaldehyde is a dangerous compound: this study highlights how crucial it is to raise awareness about the sources and health effects of formaldehyde, both for consumers and for workers exposed to it.
It is therefore essential to increase awareness of risks at the operational level, adopt effective prevention practices, and evaluate specific protective measures.
For further information, the full study is available at the following link: