Increased Levels of Urine Volatile Organic Compounds Are Associated With Diabetes Risk and Impaired Glucose Homeostasis

Abstract

Context: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are pervasive environmental pollutants that have been linked to various adverse health effects. However, the effect of ambient VOCs, whether individually or in mixtures, on diabetes remains uncertain and requires further investigation.

Objective: This study investigates the effects of ambient VOCs exposure, whether single or mixed, on diabetes mellitus and glucose homeostasis in the general population.

Methods: Urinary concentrations of VOC metabolites were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Survey-weighted logistic regression and generalized linear regression were used to explore the associations between individual VOC exposure and diabetes risk and glucose homeostasis indicators, respectively. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models were applied to assess the combined effects of VOC mixtures.

Results: Out of 8468 participants, 1504 had diabetes mellitus. Eight VOC metabolites showed positive associations with diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.15-1.43; all P < .05), insulin resistance (IR) (OR, 1.02-1.06; P < .05), and other glucose homeostasis indicators (β, 0.04-2.32; all P < .05). Mixed VOC models revealed positive correlations between the WQS indices and diabetes risk (OR = 1.52; 95% CI, 1.29-1.81), IR (OR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.14-1.62), and other glucose homeostasis indicators (β, 0.17-2.22; all P < .05).

Conclusion: Urinary metabolites of ambient VOCs are significantly associated with an increased diabetes risk and impaired glucose homeostasis. Thus, primary prevention policies aimed at reducing ambient VOCs could attenuate diabetes burden.

Keywords: NHANES; diabetes mellitus; glucose homeostasis; volatile organic compound; weighted quantile sum regression.