Description: MONDAY, July 9 (HealthDay News) -- Selenium supplements appear to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, a new study suggests.

The chances of developing the blood sugar disease was higher in people who had high blood selenium levels, according to the report in the July 10 online edition of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

"The hypothesis was that, because of its antioxidant properties, selenium could be beneficial in diabetes prevention," explained lead researcher Dr. Saverio Stranges, from the Warwick Medical School, in Coventry, U.K. "Actually, long-term selenium supplementation did not have any benefits in diabetes prevention and actually increased the risk for this disease."

Selenium is a mineral found in soil and foods. Selenium is used by the body to aid in metabolism. Selenium supplements have been widely promoted for conditions such as cold sores, shingles, arthritis and multiple sclerosis. These supplements are also sold to prevent aging, enhance fertility, prevent can