Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share By
Marital Status and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Among Middle-Aged and Elderly Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Publisher



Karimi MA1 ; Binaei S2 ; Hashemi SH3 ; Refahi P4 ; Olama E5 ; Olama E5 ; Mohammadpour A6 ; Yonjali RM6 ; Poudineh M7 ; Deravi N8
Authors

Source: Frontiers in Medicine Published:2024


Abstract

Background: Marital status is among the factors influencing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the precise relationship remains incompletely understood. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association between marital status and the incidence of T2DM. Methods: A review and meta-analysis of observational studies were conducted to investigate the relationship between marital status and diabetes incidence. We searched three databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, for relevant studies published up to August 16th, 2023. In our initial search, we identified a total of 358 articles. After a demanding screening process involving evaluating titles, abstracts, and full-text content, we ultimately included six studies for our meta-analysis. Result: Comprising a total of 1,440,904 participants, our study found that in comparison to married individuals, unmarried participants exhibited a higher likelihood of developing diabetes [odds ratio (OR): 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.88–2.45, I2: 91%, p-value = 0.14]. Divorced participants had a reduced likelihood of developing diabetes compared to married participants (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.77–0.91, I2: 17%, p < 0.001). Similarly, widowed participants showed a lower risk of developing diabetes compared to divorced participants (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.26–0.46, I2: 83%, p < 0.00001). Conclusion: This study provides strong evidence of links between marital status and type 2 diabetes risk. Unmarried individuals are more susceptible to T2DM, divorced individuals have a lower risk, and widowed individuals exhibit reduced T2DM risk. Further research should investigate underlying mechanisms and confounding factors. Copyright © 2025 Karimi, Binaei, Hashemi, Refahi, Olama, Olama, Mohammadpour, Yonjali, Poudineh and Deravi.
Other Related Docs
5. Risk of Diabetes in Combined Metabolic Abnormalities and Body Mass Index Categories, Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research and Reviews (2016)
9. Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction in Women With Type 2 Diabetes, Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism (2014)