Selenium and Type 2 Diabetes: Systematic Review

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#diabetes-mellitus-type-2 #humans #odds-ratio #risk-factors #selenium

Selenium and Type 2 Diabetes: Systematic Review

Kohler et al., 2018 | Nutrients | Meta Analysis

Citation

Kohler Lindsay N, Foote Janet, ... Jacobs Elizabeth T. Selenium and Type 2 Diabetes: Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2018-Dec-05;10(12). doi:10.3390/nu10121924

Abstract

Several studies have investigated the potential role of selenium (Se) in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) with disparate findings. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize the evidence of any association between Se and T2D. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Approach (PRISMA). Sixteen studies from 15 papers met inclusion criteria defined for this review. Of the 13 observational studies included, 8 demonstrated a statistically significant positive association between concentrations of Se and odds for T2D, with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) ranging from 1.52 (1.01⁻2.28) to 7.64 (3.34⁻17.46), and a summary odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) of 2.03 (1.51⁻2.72). In contrast, among randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of Se, a higher risk of T2D was not observed for those who received Se compared to a placebo (OR = 1.18, 95% CI 0.95⁻1.47). Taken together, the results for the relationship between Se and T2D differ between observational studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs). It remains unclear whether these differences are the result of uncontrolled confounding in the observational studies, or whether there is a modest effect of Se on the risk for T2D that may vary by duration of exposure. Further investigations on the effects of Se on glucose metabolism are needed.

Key Findings

Further investigations on the effects of Se on glucose metabolism are needed.

Outcomes Measured

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Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition diabetes

MeSH Terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
  • Humans
  • Odds Ratio
  • Risk Factors
  • Selenium

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: selenium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09