Dr. Corkey proposed that environmental risk factors, combined with a genetic predisposition, could lead to elevated basal insulin levels, which in turn might be the root cause of insulin resistance, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes.3 Environmental changes, including the presence of toxins like polybrominated diphenyl ethers and the introduction of new substances in the food supply (e.g., artificial sweeteners, preservatives, emulsifiers, and flavor enhancers), could potentially drive insulin hypersecretion, leading to future metabolic diseases. The gene discussed is INS; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.