Hidden hunger in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its effect on glycaemic control: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction Hidden hunger or micronutrient deficiencies are quite common in many parts of the world, particularly in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Micronutrient deficiencies may impact insulin signalling pathways and glucose metabolism, potentially accelerating the onset and development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This review aims to estimate the prevalence of multiple micronutrient deficiencies among patients with T2D and assess the effect of their deficiency on glycaemic control.Methodology The review follows the Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA 2020 guidelines. It includes all eligible studies reporting the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and their effect on glycaemic control in T2D patients. We would undertake a comprehensive literature search across databases: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, LILACS, ProQuest, Google Scholar and grey literature, and identify the studies meeting the inclusion criteria. We would perform data extraction using a prepiloted data extraction sheet and record relevant study characteristics and outcomes.Analysis Data will be analysed using JBI Sumari software and R software. Pooled prevalence/incidence of micronutrient deficiency will be estimated, and variance will be stabilised using logit transformation and a double-arcsine transformation of the data. The OR and risk ratio of glycaemic control among T2D cases with and without micronutrient deficiency will be estimated using the ‘rma’ function under the ‘meta’ and ‘metafor’ packages.The study findings will have implications for diabetes management strategies and may inform interventions targeting improved glycaemic control through addressing micronutrient deficiencies.Ethics and dissemination This systematic review will be based on the scientific information available in the public domain; therefore, ethics approval is not required. We will share the study findings at national and international conferences and submit them for publication in relevant scientific journals.PROSPERO registration number CRD42023439780.