Research Shows Link Between Arsenic Exposure and Type 2 Diabetes

(Newswire.net — September 14, 2022) Orlando, FL — Various studies have shown that exposure to toxins and heavy metals is associated with certain health issues. 

A University of Arizona Health Sciences study has highlighted a biological mechanism that links long-term arsenic exposure to diseases such as cancer and Type 2 diabetes. 

This new research was spearheaded by Donna D. Zhang, Ph.D., the Musil Family Endowed Chair in Drug Discovery at the Arizona College of Pharmacy and a member of the BIO5 Institute.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 34 million people in the United States have diabetes. 

Further, roughly 90 percent to 95 percent of them have Type 2 diabetes. It is worth noting that one of the main risk factors is environmental toxicant exposure, particularly chronic arsenic exposure. It has been previously found that chronic exposure to arsenic affects insulin production and sensitivity and blood sugar levels, as well as lipid profiles.

Experts warn that all of these are actually common features of diabetes development and progression. 

Arsenic is a natural metalloid that can be found in soil. It is worth caution that it can also be one of the most significant contaminants in drinking water around the world, especially when ingested at unsafe levels. 

Combined with occupational exposures, such as mining, it has been found that more than 160 million people worldwide are exposed to arsenic.

The study looked into the impact of arsenic exposure on nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factors 2 (NRF2) activation. It is worth noting that the protein called NRF2 plays an essential role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, particularly during times of oxidative stress.

It is important to keep in mind that during oxidative stress, there is an imbalance of free oxygen radicals and antioxidants in the body.

“Hopefully this study will serve as a foundation for future toxicant-driven diabetes research here at the University of Arizona Health Sciences and elsewhere,” said Dr. Zhang, who also is an associate director of the Arizona Superfund Research Center. 

“Our eventual goal is to generate effective preventive or interventive strategies to treat exposed populations.” 

Scientists continue to carry out research studies to look into the negative health effects of toxins and heavy metals. It is important to keep in mind that these toxic substances can be found pretty much everywhere, from food to personal care products. 

While it is impossible to absolutely avoid exposure to these toxins, there are ways to reduce their impacts inside the body. One is to have a body detox, which is widely resorted to nowadays for preventive health purposes.

It can be made effectively and safely possible through the use of all-natural remedies like Divine Bounty Activated Charcoal (https://amazon.com/Organic-Activated-Charcoal-Capsules-Whitening/dp/B071NZ5G56)