Tracing links between micronutrients and type 2 diabetes risk: the singular role of selenium

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing global health concern. While micronutrients are crucial for physiological functions and metabolic balance, their precise links to T2D are not fully understood.

Methods: We investigated the causal relationships between 15 key micronutrients and T2D risk using both univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) methods. Our analysis leveraged data from a large prospective cohort genome-wide association study (GWAS) on these micronutrients and T2D. We employed MR techniques such as inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR Egger, weighted median, and simple models. Multivariate analysis adjusted for diabetes-related factors like body mass index (BMI) and hypertension to assess the independent effects of micronutrients, particularly selenium, on T2D risk.

Results: Selenium intake was associated with an increased risk of T2D, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.045, a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 1.009 to 1.082, and a P-value of 0.015. This association was consistent in multivariate analyses, suggesting an independent effect of selenium on T2D risk after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion: Our study presents novel evidence of a positive correlation between selenium intake and T2D risk, underscoring the importance of micronutrients in diabetes prevention and treatment strategies. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings and to clarify the specific biological mechanisms through which selenium influences diabetes risk.