Does your blood group predict your diabetes risk?

Our blood group is determined as soon as we are born and we do not think about it any further except when we fill out forms or conduct some tests.
But did you know that some studies show that people with AB blood group have a higher risk of stroke than those with type O blood? Interesting, isn’t it? Similarly, are people with certain blood groups more prone to diabetes than others?
Type 2 Diabetes is a disease which slowly poisons the human being.It gradually damages all organs and systems of body over a period of time. Like a Tsunami, the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes has risen consistently from the 90s. Possible causes for this sudden rise in prevalence such as lifestyle, diet, etc are subjects of intense research.
The relationship between development of diabetes with blood group (A, B, AB and O), Rhesus factor (positive and negative) and both put together was assessed recently. This analysis was conducted on 82,104 female French teachers who were a part of the E3N (Etude Epidémiologique auprès des femmes de la Mutuelle Générale de l’Education Nationale) study. Out of these, 3,553 women were diagnosed with diabetes during follow-up (1990–2008). Study participants with diabetes were followed for 13.20 years and those without for 16.48 years.
No association was found between the presence or absence of Rhesus factor and diabetes risk. However, compared to O blood group, A and B groups showed increased diabetes risk of 10% and 21%, respectively. When combined analysis of blood group and Rhesus factor was done, people with A+, A-, AB+ blood groups were 17%, 22% and 26% more likely to develop diabetes as compared to O- (universal donor). The highest risk was seen with the B+ blood group (35%).
This study shows that certain blood groups are more prone to developing diabetes as compared to the universal donor (O-). It confirms the fact that ladies with blood group of A+, A- or AB are at higher risk of developing diabetes and should take proper care of their life style and food habits. Exercising regularly is also mandatory.
Since this assessment was conducted only in females, the result may or may not be applicable to males. The study authors, however, state that the effect is likely to be gender-independent.
So the next time you write down your blood group, remember that it might say more about you than you think!
With contribution from:Dr. Atul Ingale, Consultant Nephrologist & Transplant Physician, Vashi, Navi Mumbai
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Doctors are their independent professional judgement and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. This should not be considered as an substitute for Physician's advice. Please consult your treating Physician for more details.
Ref.: 1. Guy Fagherazzi et al. Diabetelogia, December 2014 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-014-3472-9.