Association between ABO Blood Groups and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis
Earl Adriane Cano1, Marion Agatha Esguerra1, Ariane Michaela Batausa1
1Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Sampaloc Manila, Philippines.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
The ABO Blood Group
Antigens in the ABO Blood Group System
Antigens are substances that can trigger an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies. In the ABO blood group system,...
Blood Types
ABO blood group
ABO antigens are glycoproteins encoded by genes present on...
Blood Typing
Antigens are protein molecules that reside on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The ABO and Rh blood typing systems target...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...


