Circulating calcium levels and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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#calcium #diabetes-mellitus-type-2 #homeostasis #humans #risk-factors

Circulating calcium levels and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Zhu et al., 2019 | Br J Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Zhu J, Xun P, ... He K. Circulating calcium levels and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Nutr. 2019-Aug-28;122(4):376-387. doi:10.1017/S0007114519001430

Abstract

Abnormal Ca homeostasis has been associated with impaired glucose metabolism. However, the epidemiological evidence is controversial. We aimed to assess the association between circulating Ca levels and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or abnormal glucose homeostasis through conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eligible studies were identified by searching electronic database (PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar) and related references with de novo results from primary studies up to December 2018. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the weighted relative risks (RR) and 95 % CI for the associations. The search yielded twenty eligible publications with eight cohort studies identified for the meta-analysis, which included a total of 89 165 participants. Comparing the highest with the lowest category of albumin-adjusted serum Ca, the pooled RR was 1·14 (95 % CI 1·05, 1·24) for T2DM (n 51 489). Similarly, serum total Ca was associated with incident T2DM (RR 1·25; 95 % CI 1·10, 1·42) (n 64 502). Additionally, the adjusted RR for 1 mg/dl increments in albumin-adjusted serum Ca or serum total Ca levels was 1·16 (95 % CI 1·07, 1·27) and 1·19 (95 % CI 1·11, 1·28), respectively. The observed associations remained with the inclusion of a cohort study with ionised Ca as the exposure. However, data pooled from neither case-control (n 4) nor cross-sectional (n 8) studies manifested a significant correlation between circulating Ca and glucose homeostasis. In conclusion, accumulated data from the cohort studies suggest that higher circulating Ca levels are associated with an augmented risk of T2DM.

Key Findings

In conclusion, accumulated data from the cohort studies suggest that higher circulating Ca levels are associated with an augmented risk of T2DM.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 165
Age Range See abstract
Condition diabetes

MeSH Terms

  • Calcium
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: calcium

Provenance

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