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Obesity and diabetes mellitus in patients with sickle cell disease

Tim Jang1, George Mo1, Connor Stewart1

  • 1Division of Hematology and Oncology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Avenue MSC #20, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA.

Annals of Hematology
|June 20, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients show lower rates of obesity and diabetes mellitus compared to non-SCD peers. However, obesity in SCD patients is linked to a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Obesity and diabetes mellitus are significant health concerns, particularly in the African-American/Black population, leading to chronic conditions.
  • Their presence in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients can exacerbate multimorbidity, impacting quality of life and lifespan.
  • Understanding these comorbidities in SCD is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus in a cohort of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD).
  • To compare these prevalence rates with those of their non-SCD peers within the same racial/ethnic group.
  • To explore associations between obesity and diabetes mellitus within the SCD population.

Main Methods:

  • A chart survey was conducted on a cohort of 449 patients diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD).
  • Prevalence rates of obesity and diabetes mellitus were calculated for the SCD cohort.
  • Comparisons were made with expected prevalence rates in the general population of the same race/ethnicity.

Main Results:

  • Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) exhibited lower prevalence rates of both obesity and diabetes mellitus compared to their non-SCD peers.
  • These lower prevalence rates were consistent across different genders and observed in individuals over six years of age.
  • Within the SCD cohort, obesity was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) may confer a protective effect against the development of obesity and diabetes mellitus.
  • The observed lower prevalence warrants further investigation into potential underlying mechanisms, such as altered metabolism or gut microbiome.
  • Despite lower overall prevalence, the association between obesity and diabetes mellitus in SCD patients highlights the need for continued monitoring and management of these conditions.

Keywords:
Diabetes mellitusObesityPrevalenceSickle cell disease

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