Platelet indices and ABO blood groups as predictive biomarkers for diabetes mellitus complications

Sawer Sabri Ahmed; Dilveen Ahmed Mohammed

Sawer Sabri Ahmed Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Shekhan College of Health and Medical Technology, Duhok Polytechnic University, Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Dilveen Ahmed Mohammed Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Azadi Teaching Hospital, Duhok Directorate General of Health, Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Keywords: diabetes, blood groups, platelet indices, chronic complications

Abstract

Macrovascular and microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus are the main reasons for the high mortality and morbidity rates, as well as the decreased quality of life amongst patients with type II diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to evaluate platelet indices and blood group typing in type II diabetic patients and the changes in the values of these parameters in correlation with diabetes mellitus chronic diabetic complications. This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Azadi Teaching Hospital, Laboratory Department and Diabetes Center in Duhok governorate. Three mL of blood was collected from diabetic patients and put into EDTA tubes. Platelet parameters, including platelet count, platelet distribution width, mean platelet volume, platelet-large cell ratio, and platelet crit were obtained. ABO and Rh blood group typing was done using standard slide method. Diabetic patients were categorized into two groups; without and with documented and registered diabetes complications. Statistical analysis was done using software SPSS version 26.0 and OpenEpi Version 3.0.1 programs. The mean age of diabetic patients in this study was 50.694±10.318 years. The mean values of platelet indices apart from platelet counts were significantly higher among diabetic patients with complications than those without complications. Platelet parameter except platelet count were significantly higher amongst patients with diabetes related complications and suggests that these indices are reliable predictors for the development of complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and can be used as a simple, low-cost to-use method. Blood group O was significantly associated with diabetes-related complications.