Inverse Association Between Betel Quid Use and Diabetes in Rural Bangladesh.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Betel quid is used as a mild stimulant in many parts of South and East Asia and the Pacific. In observational studies, its use has been associated with elevated risk for diabetes, but studies in animal models suggest some component(s) of betel quid could reduce risk.

Methods

We assessed associations between betel quid use and diabetes (glycated hemoglobin, HbA_1c ≥ 6.5%) among a cross-sectional sample of 410 men and 717 non-pregnant women in Matlab, Bangladesh.

Results

In multivariable logistic regression, betel quid use was inversely associated with diabetes among men (aOR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.79) but not women (aOR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.51, 1.52). There was a dose-response relationship between frequency of betel quid use and diabetes among men (aOR

SUBMITTER: Sznajder KK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12903070 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature