Association Between Antibiotic Exposure and Type 2 Diabetes Risk: A Meta-Analysis
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Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality globally and more than 500 million people are already affected. It has been estimated that almost 800 million may be living with T2DM by 2045. This review evaluated the association between antibiotic exposure and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A systematic search of PubMed, Dimensions, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect was conducted on 5th June, 2025 and four (4) eligible studies were identified, that are all cohort studies. Data synthesis was performed using RevMan version 5.4.1, employing a fixed-effects model to pool hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence int ervals (CI). Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using I² statistics, Chi² tests, and funnel plots. The pooled HR identified was 1.31 (95% CI: 1.12–1.53), corresponding to a 31% increase in diabetes risk among individuals with longer antibiotic exposure compared to those unexposed. However, the overall effect was statistically significant (Z = 3.44, P < 0.0001). Moreover, substantial heterogeneity was observed across the four (4) studies (Chi² = 24.94, df = 3, P < 0.0001; I² = 88%). Ultimately, extended antibiotic duration and frequent/recurrent courses are each associated with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Clinicians and patients should be aware of these potential long-term effects.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Olabisi Promise Lawal , Obiageri Ihuarulam Okeoma, Precious Esong Sone, Bolawa Fredrick Babatunde, Gabriel Dogbanya, Mary Tomi Olorunkosebi, Enikuomehin Oluwatoyin Justina
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Creative Commons License All articles published in Annals of Medicine and Medical Sciences are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Olabisi Promise Lawal , Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Benin City Nigeria.
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Benin City Nigeria.
Obiageri Ihuarulam Okeoma, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Trinity University Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Trinity University Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Precious Esong Sone, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC USA.
East Carolina University, Greenville, NC USA.
Bolawa Fredrick Babatunde, Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko Ondo State Nigeria.
Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko Ondo State Nigeria.
Gabriel Dogbanya, Department of Family Science, School of Public Health, University of Maryland College Park MD USA.
Department of Family Science, School of Public Health, University of Maryland College Park MD USA.
Mary Tomi Olorunkosebi, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois, USA.
Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois, USA.
Enikuomehin Oluwatoyin Justina, Crimea Federal University, Ukraine.
Crimea Federal University, Ukraine.
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