Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7854-0422

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Komakech, Joel J.

Committee Member

Wu, Tung-Lung

Committee Member

Cheng, Wen-Hsing

Date of Degree

12-13-2024

Original embargo terms

Worldwide

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion (Nutrition)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Health Promotion

Abstract

This study investigates the correlation between soil selenium levels and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence across U.S. regions between 2012 to 2018. Selenium, an essential trace element, plays an important role in antioxidant defense and metabolism. While appropriate selenium intake may protect against diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing oxidative stress, excessive intake can have adverse effects. This research analyzed the most recent data, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), for over 3,000 counties in the U.S. A correlation analysis model was used to determine the relationship between soil selenium content and diabetes prevalence between year 2012 to 2018. This study revealed a mixed finding: some regions showed a positive association, indicating that higher soil selenium levels were linked to increased diabetes prevalence, while other regions suggested an inverse relationship. These findings further highlight the dual role of selenium in metabolic health, where both deficiency and excess can increase diabetes risk. Further research is needed to clarify the optimal selenium intake levels and the role of environmental factors in diabetes prevention.

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