Associations between DEET, Organophosphorus Insecticides, and Handgrip Strength in Diabetes: An NHANES Analysis

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Endocrinology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Sarcopenia and diabetes mellitus (DM) share known associations.
• Pesticides/insecticides are implicated in various health issues, including DM.
• This study explores pesticide exposure's impact on muscle strength in US adults with diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between pesticide/insecticide exposure and muscle strength.
• To analyze this association in a national sample of community-dwelling adults with diabetes in the US.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014.
• Assessed handgrip strength using a digital dynamometer.
• Measured urine pesticide concentrations and employed regression models to analyze associations.

Main Results:

• High para-nitrophenol levels correlated with lower handgrip strength in both males and females.
• Elevated 2-isopropyl-4-methyl-pyrimidinol was linked to decreased handgrip strength in females.
• Desethyl hydroxy N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) and its acid metabolite showed inverse relationships with handgrip strength in older men and women.

Conclusions:

• Certain pesticides/insecticides are associated with reduced muscle strength in individuals with diabetes.
• Para-nitrophenol demonstrated a negative association with muscle strength across both sexes.
• Specific pesticide exposures may exacerbate muscle weakness in diabetic populations.