Main Article Content

Abstract

Background: The relationship between ABO/Rh(D) blood groups and diabetes mellitus has been studied in several populations, but findings remain inconsistent. In Libya, available studies differ in design, diabetes classification, control-group selection, and statistical reporting, making it difficult to form a clear national picture. Objectives: Critically review Libyan evidence on ABO/Rh(D) blood groups and T2DM and describe their distribution among patients with T2DM in the Sabratha region. Methods: A focused narrative literature search was carried out using PubMed, journal publisher websites, DOI records, and Libyan journal archives through 25 October 2026. Where available, information on study design, diabetes classification, sample size, control groups, and reported findings was extracted. Particular attention was paid to the accessibility and consistency of primary-study information. Descriptive analysis was performed on 813 clinic records from Galil Diabetic Centre, Sabratha, collected between September 2025 and September 2026. Frequencies and percentages were calculated, and Wilson 95% confidence intervals were determined for observed proportions. No nondiabetic control group was available. Results: Of the 813 clinic records, 500 (61.5%) were female and
313 (38.5%) were male. Blood group A was most frequent (332, 40.8%), followed by B (270, 33.2%), O (180, 22.1%), and AB (31, 3.8%). Rh-positive and Rh-negative records numbered 697 (85.7%) and 116 (14.3%), respectively. The 2025 Libyan systematic review by Abubakeer and Mansour, 2025 reported an association between blood group B and diabetes compared with group O (OR 1.52, 95%
CI 1.24–1.86). However, we found an apparent discrepancy between the total number of controls reported in its abstract (900) and the sum of the control groups listed in its study table (2,195). In addition, some original publications included in that review could not be accessed for independent examination. Other Libyan studies also showed limitations in control-group description and statistical reporting. Conclusion: The available Libyan evidence suggests a possible relationship between ABO/Rh(D) blood groups and diabetes mellitus, but differences in study methodology and reporting limit definitive interpretation. The 2025 systematic review is an important contribution to the national literature, although clarification of its reported participant totals and further access to the original studies would facilitate independent assessment. The Sabratha results provide descriptive information from a single diabetes clinic and cannot establish an association between blood group phenotype and diabetes susceptibility. Further well-designed Libyan studies using standardised diagnostic criteria and appropriately selected non-diabetic controls are needed.

Keywords

ABO blood groups; Rhesus factor; Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Libya; Sabratha; Narrative review

Article Details

Author Biographies

Imran Mohamed Saeed El-Mqueteef , Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sabratha University, Sabratha, Libya

Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sabratha University, Sabratha, Libya

Nahla Gueder, Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sabratha University, Sabratha, Libya

Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sabratha University, Sabratha, Libya

Azab Elsayed Azab, Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sabratha University, Sabratha, Libya

Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sabratha University, Sabratha, Libya

How to Cite
El-Mqueteef , I. M. S., Gueder, N., & Azab, A. E. (2026). Exploring the Relationship Between ABO and Rh(D) Blood Groups and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Libya with Descriptive Findings from Sabratha: Volume 16 - Issue (1)-Journal of Applied Science - 2026. Journal of Applied Science. Retrieved from https://jas.sabu.edu.ly/index.php/JS/article/view/304

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