Serum potassium and glucose regulation in the ADDITION- Leicester screening study

Introduction: Previous observational studies have shown conflicting results between plasma K+ concentrations and risk of type 2 diabetes. To help clarify the evidence we aimed to determine whether an association existed between serum K+ and glucose regulation within a UK multi ethnic population Methods: Participants were recruited as part of the ADDITION Leicester study, a population based screening study. Individuals from primary care between the age of 40-75 years if White European or 25-75 years if South Asian or Afro Caribbean were recruited. Tests for associations between baseline characteristics and K+ quartiles were conducted using linear regression models. Results: Data showed individuals in the lowest K+ quartile had significantly greater 2-hour glucose levels (0.53mmol/l, 95% CI: 0.36-0.70, p≤0.001) than those in the highest K+ quartile. This estimation did not change with adjustment for potential confounders. Conversely, participants in the lowest K+ quartile had a 0.14% lower HbA1c (95% CI - 0.19- 0.10: P≤0.001) compared to those in the highest K+ quartile. Conclusion: This cross sectional analysis demonstrated that lower K+ was associated with greater 2hr-glucose. The data supports the possibility that K+ may influence glucose regulation and further research is warranted.