Diabetes
Association between Urinary Arsenic and Selenium and Self-Reported Diabetes Sarah Mayberry* Sarah Mayberry Namvar Zohoori Lora J. Rogers Shelbie D. Stahr L. Joseph Su
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in U.S. adults, with its burden only projected to increase. Arsenic and selenium exposure may contribute to diabetes development, elements not typically considered in prevention efforts. Although inconclusive, early research suggests environmental arsenic exposure may increase diabetes risk. In trace amounts, selenium functions as an antioxidant; however, U.S. observational studies have shown a positive association between selenium and diabetes risk, possibly from overconsumption. Many studies have hypothesized antagonistic and synergistic pathways between these elements, yet their exposure and interaction regarding diabetes status is largely unstudied. Data from the Arkansas Cardiovascular Health Examination Survey, a cross-sectional probability sampling of Arkansas adults, was used to examine these element exposures in relation to self-reported diabetic status. Self-reported data and spot urine samples were collected from 1,385 individuals. Urinary arsenic and selenium concentrations were measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and adjusted for creatinine concentration. Post-sampling weight and stratum were used to account for the survey design and final response rate (28%). 1,187 subjects (85.7%) were included in the logistic regression analysis to assess trace element exposure associated with self-reported diabetes status, adjusting for confounding factors. Selenium exposure appears more strongly associated with diabetes (OR:4.05, 95%CI:1.05-15.66) compared to arsenic (OR:1.96, 95%CI:0.84-4.54), with synergistic interaction between the elements observed, albeit insignificant (OR:1.22, 95%CI:0.98-1.52). These findings coincide with existing observational studies and may underscore the concern for selenium overconsumption’s deleterious effects. While further research is required, these results suggest the importance of monitoring these elemental exposures to minimize diabetes’ burden.