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Do trace elements influence the course of newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus?

Monika Rychert-Stos1, Mieczyslaw Walczak1, Anita Horodnicka-Jozwa1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Disorders and Cardiology of Developmental Age of Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland.

Neuro Endocrinology Letters
|December 30, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Elevated selenium and arsenic levels were found in children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). Environmental trace elements may contribute to DM1 incidence, warranting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • The exact causes of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) remain unclear.
  • Research suggests a potential link between trace element imbalances and glucose/insulin metabolism, influencing DM1 development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate serum concentrations of specific trace elements in children recently diagnosed with DM1.
  • To analyze changes in these trace element levels over time following diagnosis and treatment initiation.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples from 35 children (aged 3-17) with newly diagnosed DM1 were analyzed.
  • Trace elements including selenium, zinc, copper, and arsenic were measured at diagnosis, 2 weeks, and 6 months post-diagnosis.
  • Levels were compared between time points and with a control group (implied).

Main Results:

  • No trace element deficiencies were detected in the study group.
  • Elevated serum selenium levels were observed consistently across all measurement points.
  • Increased arsenic levels were noted at discharge and 6-month follow-up, while copper was elevated at diagnosis.
  • Serum zinc concentrations showed no significant variations.

Conclusions:

  • Environmental exposure to trace elements, particularly selenium, might be associated with an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes mellitus.
  • Further research is necessary to establish a definitive causal relationship between environmental trace elements and DM1 etiology.
Abstract

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