Relationship Between Metal Exposures, Dietary Macronutrient Intake, And Blood Glucose Levels Of Informal Electronic Waste Recyclers In Ghana.

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2022-03

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University Of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Exposure to metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) has been linked to metabolic diseases like diabetes. However, the intake of dietary macronutrients (i.e., carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) has been shown to modify metal-induced adverse effects. Although metal exposures are generally high among informal electronic waste (e-waste) recyclers, the joint effect of metals and dietary macronutrients on their metabolic health has not been studied. Objective: This study investigated the relationship between metal exposures (Pb and Cd), dietary macronutrients intake, and blood glucose levels of e-waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie and a comparison (Madina-Zongo). Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 100 e-waste recyclers and 51 controls was conducted. Blood levels of Pb and Cd were measured using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICPMS; Varian 820MS). Dietary macronutrients intake was evaluated using a 48hr recall. To determine diabetes prevalence, de-identified whole blood samples were analyzed for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC®). Ordinary least square regression model was used to estimate the joint relationship between metal exposures, dietary macronutrient intake, and blood glucose levels. Results: Except for proteins intake, both e-waste recyclers and the comparison group did not meet the dietary reference intake (DRI) requirements for dietary carbohydrate, total fats (saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, OMEGA 3, OMEGA 6, cholesterol), and dietary fiber. Diabetes prevalence was significantly higher in the comparison population (Prev. = 41 %, 95 % C1: 28.41, 55.26 %) than in the recyclers (Prev. = 31.00 %, 95 % C1: 22.63, 40.84 %). Still among both groups, dietary intake of macronutrients like OMEGA 3 and cholesterol was linked to significant increases in blood glucose levels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, when the analysis was limited to recyclers, saturated fat, OMEGA 3, and cholesterol intake was still associated with significant increases in their blood glucose levels (p < 0.05). Jointly, while every 1 mg of dietary cholesterol consumed was associated with a 0.7% increase in blood glucose levels (95% CI: 0.001, 0.012; p = 0.015), each 1μg/L exposure to Pb was linked to a 9% increase in blood glucose levels (95% CI: 0.001, 0.017; p = 0.025) among the e-waste recyclers. Conclusion: 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.

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MSc. Occupational Hygiene

Keywords

Ghana, Blood Glucose, Metal Exposures, Dietary Macronutrient

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