ASSOCIATION OF ABO BLOOD GROUPS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS AND HEPATITIS B AND C VIRUS INFECTIONS IN THE GILGIT POPULATION, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia while hepatitis B and C are viral illnesses that cause inflammation of liver. The ABO antigens are among the most clinically significant antigens, primarily present on red blood cells. Some studies suggest that different ABO blood types might be linked to different diseases. Some blood groups are naturally protected, and some are naturally prone to certain diseases.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to find the frequency of ABO blood groups in patients with diabetes mellitus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C and to find an association between them in the population of Gilgit region.

Methodology:

This study was an observational cross-sectional study in which 120 patients who were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Questionnaires and laboratory tests were used to collect data. Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was done using microlab 300. Quick immune-chromatographic test kits were used for diagnosis of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Blood groups were determined using tile method. Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS and Microsoft Excel 2013.

Results:

In 120 participants, the most frequent blood type in diabetes mellitus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C was B blood group. AB was least common in diabetes whereas A blood type was less common in case of hepatitis. The most prevalent disease was type 2 diabetes, followed by hepatitis B, hepatitis C and type1 diabetes. The age group which is at higher risk for diabetes mellitus is 50-69 years old, while for hepatitis the most susceptible was 30-49 years old age group. Slight male predominance is seen in both diseases.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that B blood group individuals, especially males who are 50–69 years old, are more susceptible to diabetes mellitus and viral hepatitis in the Gilgit region