Association between Abo-Rh Blood Groups and Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: Comparative Cross Sectional Study

Diabetes mellitus is a disease of abnormal carbohydrate metabolism that are characterized by hyperglycemia which is associated with a relative or absolute impairment in insulin secretion, along with varying degrees of peripheral resistance to the action of insulin. Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality is a disease of continued scientific research. This study evaluated any association between ABO-RH blood groups among T2DM and healthy individuals. A hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted for one year in Department of Endocrinology, Department of Internal medicine and surgical ward of Bir Hospital, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal. The study included total N=384 participants above 20 years of age were selected, out of which 192 were normal healthy controls (non-diabetics) and 192 participants were T2DM irrespective of glucose control, treatment and gender. Blood samples were collected from the Patients after consent had been obtained and then ABO blood groups of all subjects were determined and recorded by Slide Agglutination method at Hematology laboratory and Blood bank. Data were analyzed by chi square test and the results showed that there was no significant association among the various ABO blood groups. The data revealed that blood group B was significantly more common among diabetic patients n=76 (39.58%) and non-diabetic n=63 (32.81%) healthy populations whereas blood group AB was significantly less common among both populations i.e. n=48 (12.50%) in an order of B > A > O > AB. The frequency of Rh-positive and Rh-negative blood were 95.31% and 4.69% respectively. There was a significant difference between healthy subjects and diabetic patients in blood group B and Rh-positive groups. Highest mean HbA1C seen in blood group A among male (9.32) and female (7.75) along with more complications seen in blood group B but no statistical significance achieved. Subjects with blood group “B” are at high risk while individuals with blood group “AB” are at low risk of evolving type 2 diabetes. It is suggested that subjects with blood group “B” should be closely monitored by physicians as these subjects have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Large studies are needed to confirm these results.