People with blood group B face higher risk of type 2 diabetes, study finds
A 2024 analysis of earlier studies found people with blood group B had a 28 per cent higher diabetes risk, though experts say blood group is only an indicator.
Diabetes has become a very common disease. Most people, including the young and children, appear to be falling prey to it. Its risk is usually linked to age, excess weight, lack of physical activity, diet, a family history of diabetes and lifestyle. However, research over the past few years has also drawn attention to a possible link between blood group and the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Dr Anupam Biswas, senior consultant in the endocrinology department at Fortis, Noida, has explained which blood groups carry the highest risk.
Research has shown that people with blood group B have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes than those with other blood groups. A study published in 2024 analysed the findings of several earlier studies and found a link between blood group B and type 2 diabetes.
According to the study, people with blood group B had a 28 per cent higher risk of diabetes than those with other blood groups. But having blood group B does not mean the person will certainly develop diabetes. Blood group only indicates a risk.
Studies on blood groups A, AB and O have not produced entirely consistent results. Some studies have shown a lower risk of type 2 diabetes among people with blood group O, but the reasons are not yet fully clear.
Whether there is a clear link between blood group and diabetes is not definitively known at present. Blood groups AB and O have been linked to the body's blood vessels and certain biological processes. Their possible effects on inflammation, blood clotting and the functioning of blood vessels are being studied. Even so, these possible links cannot be considered a direct cause of diabetes.
According to Dr Biswas, blood group cannot be changed, but many major risk factors for diabetes can be kept under control. A healthy weight, regular physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep and regular blood sugar checks play an important role in preventing diabetes and detecting it early. Regular screening has been described as essential for those with a family history of diabetes, those who are overweight, those with excess belly fat, and those with high blood pressure or raised cholesterol.
It has been noted that if blood sugar stays high for a long time, the body's blood vessels and nerves can be damaged. This raises the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, vision problems and nerve damage. Therefore, whether the blood group is A, B, AB or O, preventing diabetes and detecting it early is important for everyone.
