ASSOCIATION OF ABO AND RH BLOOD GROUP PHENOTYPES WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AT FELEGE HIWOT COMPREHENSIVE REFERRAL HOSPITAL BAHIR DAR, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Abstract Background: ABO and Rhesus blood group antigens are thought to be among genetic determinants of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Identification of blood group phenotypes more susceptible to type 2 diabetes mellitus will be helpful for individuals with that susceptible blood group to take care of themselves by avoiding other predisposing factors and taking preventive measures. Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess the association of ABO and Rh blood group with types 2 diabetes mellitus among adult type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was carried out from February to April 2019 at the Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Referral Hospital. The sample size was determined with a double population proportion general formula and 424 participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected with a semi-structured pretested questionnaire. ABO and Rh Blood group were determined by slide and test tube method. Biochemical parameters were determined with Mindray BS-200E full-automated clinical chemistry analyzer. Data were analyzed by IBM SPSS version 20 statistical software. Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were employed for analysis. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among all study participants, 50.9% were males and the median age was 37.4 years. Our finding showed that frequency of Blood group B was significantly higher among diabetes mellitus patients (63.6%) as compared to controls (36.4%). Blood group O was significantly less common in diabetic patients (43.3%) compared with non-diabetics (56.7%). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed blood group B had more risk (OR=2.12, CI=1.33 - 3.32) and blood group O had decreased risk (OR=0.636, CI=0.43 - 0.94) of T2DM as compared to other blood groups. Blood group A and B were also associated with hypertension and total cholesterol respectively.