Arsenic Levels and Diabetes Risk: The Toxic Connection

Even Low Levels of Arsenic Exposure May Increase Risk of Diabetes

Chronic long-term low level exposure to inorganic arsenic may increase risk for type 2 diabetes.  In type 2 diabetes, cells are resistant to the effects of insulin.  It accounts for over 90% of all cases of diabetes.   

Type 2 diabetes has a genetic component, but the epiedemic of diabetes is attributed to the rising tide of obesity. Recent research has revealed the causative role of envirnomental toxins in diabetes. Arsenic reduces glucose uptake by cells (increases insulin resistance), interfering with the signalling required for insulin to function normally. 

Inorganic arsenic is introduced into the environment from industrial metal smelting operations and makes its way into drinking water. Large amounts are found in preserved wood.  Of special concern is the use of Roxarsone, a chemical with high levels of arsenic added to chicken feed to make them meatier and plump up their breasts.  The organic arsenic found in seafood does not have the same effect.

Linked to many health problems                                                                                                                                                                                         Arsenic has been linked to bladder, lung, skin, kidney and colon cancer, while low-level exposures can lead to partial paralysis as well as diabetes.  Long term low level exposure to arsenic may be associated with a variety of symptoms . . . or not.  Fatigue and cognitive problems may be a tip.

13 million Americans live in areas with aresenic levels above the 10 ug/L or more, higher than the EPA’s standard.  But a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests a connection between lower levels and diabetes.* 

The Homocysteine Connection                                                                                                                                                                                                    Inorganic arsenic is processed in the liver for removal in urine.  This requires a so-called methylation step.  Because a high homocysteine level in the blood indicates a methylation problem, measuring homocysteine along with the vitamins that support methylation — B12, B6 and folate — makes sense.  Homocysteine can be lowered by supplementing with these vitamins or simply adding a high quality food based B vitamin supplement to your daily program. 

Testing for Arsenic                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Arsenic levels can be measured in the urine and hair. Although the validity of hair testing is debated, it can be a useful tool in the hands of an experienced practitioner.  You can also measure the effect of arsenic along with other common heavy metals and chemical toxins with a urinary porphyrins test, available from Metametrix Laboratory (www.metametrix.com).  Rather than testing for specific toxin levels, it measures the effect of toxins on the porphyrin pathway, which is exquisitely sensitive to toxic disturbance.

In order to have your arsenic levels measured and treated, you should seek a health care professional with experience in these matters. Some functional medicine doctors have this experience.  You can go to the Institute for Functional Medicine web site (www.functionalmedicine.org) and click on “Find a Practitioner”.

Safe Support from the Sea                                                                                                                                                                                                                           You can also consider taking a seaweed supplement, Seagreens. (www.seagreensonline.com)  This is a high quality British product just recently introduced in this country.  The seaweeds in this product can be expected to gently bind arsenic and other heavy metals, which are then excreted in the urine.  They also supply a balanced and complete assortment of nutrients that support general health.  Otherwise, I would definitely avoid supermarket chicken.

*See August 2008 JAMA