The Relationship Between ABO and Rh Blood Groups and Microvascular Complications of Diabetes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the possible relationships between ABO and Rh blood groups and microvascular complications of diabetes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Material and Methods: This study included Type 2 DM patients who were hospitalized and followed in our clinic between February 2019 and April 2022. The patients’ data files were retrospectively reviewed in order to record demographic characteristics, antidiabetic medications, comorbid diseases, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c values, ABO/Rh blood groups, and microvascular complication status (nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy). Results: A total of 348 patients were included in the study. In the sample group, male patients constituted 40.9% (142) and female patients 59.1% (206) of the sample, and the mean age was 59.3±12.8 years. Diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy rates were 31.3%, 41.0%, and 52.0%, respectively. The blood group was A in 151 (43.4%), B in 51 (14.6%), 0 in 127 (36.5%), and AB in 19 (5.5%) patients. Patients with different blood types did not show any significant differences in the microvascular complications of diabetes. The frequency of nephropathy and retinopathy were lower in Rh-negative patients than in Rh-positive patients (p=0.044 and p=0.041, respectively). Conclusion: ABO blood groups are not correlated with the microvascular complications of diabetes in patients with type 2 DM. However, Rh positivity may pose certain risks for nephropathy and retinopathy.