Chronic Arsenic Exposure in Drinking Water and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Bangladesh

Jesmin S, Maqbool A, Kawano S, Sohael F, Rahman A, Al Mamun A, Islam M, Matsuishi Y, Shima T, Yamaguchi N, Shimojo N, Moroi M and Yasin R

Published on: 2022-10-28

Abstract

Background: The development of Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) has been linked to long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water. The majorities of studies have been ecological in character and have concentrated on chronic, high-level arsenic exposure; however, only a small number of studies have directly measured arsenic levels in drinking water. Our research adds to the literature by shedding light on the link between arsenic exposure and diabetes risk.

Methods: This study was conducted in a rural area of Bangladesh and is cross-sectional in nature. Using stratified multistage random sampling, 128 individuals were randomly selected. The World Health Organization (WHO) STEPS approach is used, which entails a step-by-step collection of risk factor data based on a standard questionnaire covering demographics, somatic diseases, somatic and mental symptomatology, medications, lifestyle, and health-related behavior (step 1), basic physical measures (step 2), and basic biochemical investigations, such as blood sugar and cholesterol (step 3).

Results: A total of 128 individuals participated in the study. Among metabolic syndrome subjects, 42.9% of cases have diabetes. Also found that all metabolic syndrome cases are affected by hypertension. A dose-response relationship was also seen, with risk estimates rising with the duration of exposure to arsenic at most exposure levels.

Conclusion: These results raise the possibility that arsenic in drinking water contributes to the development of T2DM. Prolonged exposure to arsenic increases the likelihood of adverse effects. People exposed to the highest levels of arsenic for over a decade have the greatest risk of T2DM.