This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and the risk of type 2 diabetes. The study included 10 prospective studies with a total of 19,709 participants and 4,480 cases for IL-6, and 22 cohorts with 40,735 participants and 5,753 cases for CRP. The meta-analysis found a significant dose-response association between IL-6 levels and type 2 diabetes risk (relative risk [RR] 1.31 [95% CI 1.17–1.46]). For CRP, the meta-analysis showed a significant association with increased risk of type 2 diabetes (RR 1.26 [95% CI 1.16–1.37]). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses further supported these associations. The findings suggest that elevated levels of IL-6 and CRP are significantly associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, providing further evidence that chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of this condition.This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and the risk of type 2 diabetes. The study included 10 prospective studies with a total of 19,709 participants and 4,480 cases for IL-6, and 22 cohorts with 40,735 participants and 5,753 cases for CRP. The meta-analysis found a significant dose-response association between IL-6 levels and type 2 diabetes risk (relative risk [RR] 1.31 [95% CI 1.17–1.46]). For CRP, the meta-analysis showed a significant association with increased risk of type 2 diabetes (RR 1.26 [95% CI 1.16–1.37]). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses further supported these associations. The findings suggest that elevated levels of IL-6 and CRP are significantly associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, providing further evidence that chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of this condition.