Concurrent Lead and Cadmium Exposure Among Diabetics: A Case-Control Study of Socio-Demographic and Consumption Behaviors
Issued Date
2025-02-01
Resource Type
eISSN
20726643
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85218866376
Journal Title
Nutrients
Volume
17
Issue
4
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Nutrients Vol.17 No.4 (2025)
Suggested Citation
Adokwe J.B., Pouyfung P., Kuraeiad S., Wongrith P., Inchai P., Yimthiang S., Satarug S., Khamphaya T. Concurrent Lead and Cadmium Exposure Among Diabetics: A Case-Control Study of Socio-Demographic and Consumption Behaviors. Nutrients Vol.17 No.4 (2025). doi:10.3390/nu17040710 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/105524
Title
Concurrent Lead and Cadmium Exposure Among Diabetics: A Case-Control Study of Socio-Demographic and Consumption Behaviors
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Abstract
Introduction/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) continues to pose a substantial global public health challenge. Current evidence has linked an increase in the risk of T2D to chronic exposure to the heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). The present study aimed to examine whether the reported links existed in an area of southern Thailand with known Pb contamination. Materials and Methods: A case–control study design was used to recruit 88 diagnosed T2D cases and 90 age-, gender- and locality-matched non-diabetic controls. Blood levels of Cd and Pb were used as exposure indicators. Exposure-related risk factors and socio-demographic data were collected through questionnaires. Results: A significant association was found between blood Pb and T2D diagnosis, but the association between blood Cd and T2D was not statistically significant. Factors related to high Pb exposure were education, occupation, income, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and dietary patterns, particularly the consumption of sweet and fatty foods. Participants with higher blood Pb levels had poorer glycemic control, thereby suggesting potential interference of Pb with oral hypoglycemic agents. Conclusions: This study confirms the connection between Pb exposure and increased risk of having T2D. Additionally, it identified socio-demographic factors, and consumption habits that contributed to such an enhanced T2D risk. The role of Cd exposure requires further studies, using urinary Cd excretion, which reflects long-term exposure conditions. These findings suggest the need to incorporate environmental and occupational exposure in diabetes care strategies. From the clinical and public health perspectives, targeted interventions should focus on reducing heavy metal exposure, improving risk awareness, and strengthening occupational safety measures to prevent disease progression.