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Posted on Aug 19, 2008, 8 p.m.
By Jeanelle Topping
Exposure to inorganic arsenic could increase the risk of going on to develop type-2 diabetes, it has been claimed.
Exposure to inorganic arsenic could increase the risk of going on to develop type-2 diabetes, it has been claimed.
The substance, which has no scent, taste or colour, is typically found in ground water in certain areas, Eurekalert notes.
A study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and published in August 20th 2008 issue of JAMA reveals that individuals with diabetes had higher levels of arsenic in their in their urine when compared to those without the condition.
Lead author of the research Ana Navas-Acien said: "While prospective studies are needed to establish whether this association is causal, these findings add to the existing concerns about the long-term health consequences of low and moderate exposure to inorganic arsenic."
Along with rocks and soils, arsenic can also be found in contaminated drinking water, flour, rice and seafood.
In related news, those with "mild cognitive impairment" may have an increased risk of developing a more severe form of diabetes, according to researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
