Research from other countries has linked high levels of arsenic in water with diabetes. The new U.S. report, which examined 788 adults, found a fourfold increase in diabetes in people with low arsenic concentrations in their urine, most likely from water. This means even low levels in water may pose a risk. Based on the results, another study in over 4,000 people is underway.
The exact cause of diabetes from arsenic exposure isn't fully understood, but experts suspect the chemical affects the pancreas, the organ where insulin is produced and secreted. Arsenic doesn't change the color, taste or smell of water, so it can only be detected through testing. It gets into water either naturally, from deposits in the earth, or from pollution.
Scary indeed, but here's the good news:
1) The government is aware of the data and will hopefully take action.
2) Arsenic levels should be lower now than when the samples were taken. In 2001, arsenic standards for public water were lowered (with compliance by 2006) to 10 parts per billion because of links to various cancers, including skin, lung and bladder.
3) You can
lower your own risk at home. There are NSF certified
filtering systems that reduce arsenic and you can also purchase a
home testing kit.
As far as bottled versus tap, the FDA's standard of quality for
bottled water allows no more than 10 micrograms of arsenic per
liter. However, high arsenic levels have been found in bottled
brands. Just last year the FDA warned consumers not to drink one
brand after testing revealed levels of 454-674 micrograms of
arsenic per liter.
I never look forward to writing blog posts like this. I wish my news was
always about how safe and protective our food supply is, but I do
believe there is a lot within our control. If
you're worried about type 2 diabetes, continue
all the other
healthy habits that can help lower your risk,
including being active,
eating 4 or more smaller meals a day, eating fruits,
veggies and whole grains, using fresh herbs and spices and avoiding
highly processed foods and added sugars.
What are your thoughts on this news? Please share!
More ways to stay safe and healthy:
Fight disease with high-fiber foods
