Relationship between Metal Exposures, Dietary Macronutrient Intake, and Blood Glucose Levels of Informal Electronic Waste Recyclers in Ghana

Abstract

While metal exposures are generally high among informal electronic waste (e-waste) recyclers, the joint effect of metals and dietary macronutrients on their metabolic health is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between metal exposures, dietary macronutrients intake, and blood glucose levels of e-waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie using dietary information (48-h recall survey), blood metals (Pb & Cd), and HbA1C levels of 151 participants (100 e-waste recyclers and 51 controls from the Accra, Ghana) in March 2017. A linear regression model was used to estimate the joint relationship between metal exposures, dietary macronutrient intake, and blood glucose levels. Except for dietary proteins, both groups had macronutrient deficiencies. Diabetes prevalence was significantly higher among controls. Saturated fat, OMEGA-3, and cholesterol intake were associated with significant increases in blood glucose levels of recyclers. In a joint model, while 1 mg of cholesterol consumed was associated with a 0.7% increase in blood glucose, 1 g/L of Pb was found to significantly increase blood glucose levels by 0.9% among recyclers. Although the dietary consumption of cholesterol and fat was not high, it is still possible that exposure to Pb and Cd may still increase the risk of diabetes among both e-waste recyclers and the general population.

Association between serum copper and blood glucose: a mediation analysis of inflammation indicators in the NHANES (2011–2016)

“…Beyond dietary influences, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is notably exacerbated by exposure to various environmental contaminants, including heavy metals, whose presence in the atmosphere has surged alongside industrialization (8)(9)(10). Research indicates a substantial positive correlation between the concentration of heavy metals in the blood and their atmospheric levels, suggesting that the accumulation of specific heavy metals in the human body impacts BG concentration (11). For instance, cadmium (Cd) accumulation in insulin-producing β-cells can diminish insulin release and elevate BG levels, while lead (Pb) has been linked to increased insulin resistance and a higher risk of diabetes mellitus (12,13).…”