# Association between DDT or its byproducts and T2DM: a systematic review and meta-analysis

## TL;DR

This study finds a link between exposure to DDT or its byproducts and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

## Contribution

The study provides a meta-analysis confirming a positive association between DDT exposure and T2DM risk.

## Key findings

- DDT and its byproducts are associated with a 13% higher risk of T2DM (OR: 1.13).
- p,p′-DDE shows a stronger association with T2DM (OR: 1.13).
- Publication bias was detected, but it had a minor impact on the results.

## Abstract

Currently, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is among the fastest-growing global health emergencies of the century. Emerging evidence from epidemiological studies suggests a potential positive association between exposure to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) or its byproducts and an increasing risk of T2DM.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the association between DDT or its byproducts and T2DM. Additionally, we aimed to identify the sources of heterogeneity contributing to the inconsistency of the results.

Data analysis: assess the quality of the included studies using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Exposure tool, determine the source of heterogeneity using subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and meta regression model based on a fixed-effects model, and analyze the publication bias using funnel plots, Egger’s test, and Begg’s test.

DDT and its byproducts were associated with the risk of developing T2DM (total OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.08-1.15, I2 = 40%). Subgroup analysis stratified by biomarkers showed a stronger association between p,p′-DDE and T2DM (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.09-1.17, I²= 58.5%). The results of the funnel plot, Egger’s test, and Begg’s test showed publication bias and small study effect in studies included in the analysis (p<0.05), but the influence on the results was smaller.

The systematic review and meta-analysis offer quantifiable proof of a positive correlation between exposure to DDT or its byproducts and a higher risk of developing T2DM.

https://inplasy.com, identifier INPLASY20258004.