Differential white blood cell count and type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional and prospective studies.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Biological evidence suggests that inflammation might induce type 2 diabetes (T2D), and epidemiological studies have shown an association between higher white blood cell count (WBC) and T2D. However, the association has not been systematically investigated.

Research design and methods

Studies were identified through computer-based and manual searches. Previously unreported studies were sought through correspondence. 20 studies were identified (8,647 T2D cases and 85,040 non-cases). Estimates of the association of WBC with T2D were combined using random effects meta-analysis; sources of heterogeneity as well as presence of publication bias were explored.

Results

The combined relative risk (RR) comparing the top to bottom tertile of the WBC count was 1.61 (95%

SUBMITTER: Gkrania-Klotsas E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2956635 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature