Title:Association between ABO Blood Groups and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:
A Meta-Analysis
Volume: 19
Issue: 6
Author(s): Earl Adriane Cano, Marion Agatha Esguerra*, Ariane Michaela Batausa, Jessica Rose Baluyut, Ria Cadiz, Hewmy Franci Docto, Jose Ramir Encabo, Reena Mae Gomez and Maria Gina Sadang
Affiliation:
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Sampaloc Manila, Philippines
Keywords:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, type 1 diabetes mellitus, ABO blood group system, blood type, relative risk, gestational diabetes.
Abstract:
Background: The role of the ABO blood group goes beyond immunohematology as
there is accumulating evidence on its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, findings
regarding the relation have been contradictory and there is a need to determine the validity of
claims.
Objective: Evaluate the susceptibility of the ABO blood groups to type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Method: The research design is a meta-analysis. An extensive search was done in PubMed, ScienceDirect,
ResearchGate, and Google Scholar. Heterogeneity was determined through Cochran’s
Q test and I2 index. Random-effects model was used to measure the risk ratio and confidence intervals.
Evaluation of publication bias was done using the funnel plot method; further supported by
Egger’s linear regression test and Begg’s test.
Results: The relative susceptibility of ABO blood groups to type 2 diabetes mellitus differs for
blood type A (Relative risk [RR] = 1.05, 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.18), blood type B (RR = 1.03, 95% CI,
0.91 to 1.18), blood type AB (RR = 1.25, 95% CI, 0.78 to 1.99), and blood type O (RR = 1.11,
95% CI, 0.82 to 1.48). The highest risk of acquiring the disease was seen in type AB individuals,
while the lowest risk was seen in type B individuals.
Conclusion: A significant association was found between ABO blood groups and type 2 diabetes
mellitus. ABO phenotype can therefore be considered a possible risk factor or potential genetic determinant
of the disease, which can be used to improve diagnosis and treatment.
