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Trace elements in early phase type 2 diabetes mellitus-A population-based study. The HUNT study in Norway
Ailin Falkmo Hansen1, Anica Simić2, Bjørn Olav Åsvold3
1Department of Chemistry, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
Summary
This study found that higher levels of cadmium, chromium, iron, nickel, silver, and zinc in whole blood are associated with an increased prevalence of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Bromine levels showed an inverse association, suggesting a role for these trace elements in diabetes development.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional biochemistry and metabolic disease research.
- Epidemiology of type 2 diabetes.
- Analytical chemistry and trace element analysis.
Background:
- Inconsistent findings exist regarding trace element levels in type 2 diabetes.
- Understanding early-stage trace element associations is crucial for diabetes research.
- Population-based studies are vital for identifying risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between whole blood trace element levels and undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.
- To examine 26 trace elements in the early phase of type 2 diabetes.
- To identify potential biomarkers for early diabetes detection.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study nested within the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3).
- 128 cases of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (FINDRISC≥15) matched with 755 controls.
- High-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for trace element analysis.
- Multivariable conditional logistic regression adjusted for multiple confounders.
Main Results:
- Increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes associated with higher levels of cadmium, chromium, iron, nickel, silver, and zinc.
- Decreased prevalence associated with higher levels of bromine.
- Chromium, iron, and silver showed significant or borderline significant associations after multiple testing corrections.
Conclusions:
- Specific trace elements (bromine, cadmium, chromium, iron, nickel, silver, zinc) may play a role in type 2 diabetes development.
- These findings suggest potential biomarkers for early type 2 diabetes risk.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of these trace element associations.