Association of ABO Blood Groups with Glycemic Control and Renal Markers in Diabetic Patients with COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study from Iraq (2020–2021)
ABO blood groups and biochemical markers in diabetic COVID-19
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60988/p.v38i2.309Abstract
Background
Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for adverse outcomes in COVID-19. ABO blood groups have been suggested to influence susceptibility and clinical outcomes in infectious diseases. However, evidence regarding the association between ABO blood groups and metabolic/renal markers among diabetic patients with COVID-19 remains limited.
Objective
To assess the distribution of ABO blood groups and evaluate their association with glycemic control and renal function markers among diabetic patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Iraq.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Mustansiriyah Diabetes Center, Iraq, during 2020–2021. Diabetic patients with confirmed COVID-19 were included. ABO blood group distribution was described, and mean age was compared across blood groups. Glycemic control markers (HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose) and renal-related markers (serum urea, creatinine, and uric acid) were summarized using mean ± SD. Correlation analyses were performed to examine associations between HbA1c and biochemical parameters.
Results
A total of 87 diabetic COVID-19 patients were included. Blood group distribution was: B (n=28), A (n=25), O (n=18), AB (n=13), with a small proportion of Rh-negative groups (A− n=1, B− n=2). Mean HbA1c was 9.13 ± 1.83%, and mean fasting plasma glucose was 229.38 ± 92.91 mg/dL. HbA1c showed a positive correlation with fasting plasma glucose and negative correlations with renal markers including serum urea and uric acid.
Conclusion
Among diabetic patients with COVID-19, blood group B and A were the most frequent. Glycemic control indicators were associated with renal-related biochemical markers, suggesting potential metabolic–renal interplay in this population. Further studies with larger samples are recommended to clarify the role of ABO blood groups in clinical outcomes of diabetic COVID-19 patients.
