EFFECT OF GLYCEMIC CONTROL (HBA1C) ON TESTOSTERONE LEVELS AND HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS, AND DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF BLOOD GROUPS AMONG TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS IN MUKALLA CITY

Abstract

Poor glycemic control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) leads to systemic complications, including hormonal imbalances and hematological alterations. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of poor glycemic control (HbA1c) on testosterone levels, complete blood count (CBC), and blood groups among T2DM patients in Mukalla city. A cross-sectional analysis study was conducted (March-July 2021) involving 60 participants; 40 T2DM patients (24 males, 16 females) and 20 healthy controls (13 males, 7 females), with an age range of 30–70 years. Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, CBC, blood typing, and testosterone levels were measured in both groups. Statistical analysis was used to assess differences and correlations between the variables. The results showed a significant increase in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c (8.08 ± 1.80%) in patients compared to healthy individuals (p=0.001). Hormonally, a significant decrease in testosterone was observed in males with T2DM (4.61 ± 1.79 ng/mL), while no significant effect was observed in females compared to the healthy group (7.32 ± 0.84 ng/mL). Hematologically, hemoglobin levels were significantly decreased in patients (p=0.008), with a significant increase in lymphocytes (40.14%) and a decrease in neutrophils (48.9%). Blood Group O was the most prevalent (47.5%). Correlation analysis revealed a strong and statistically significant inverse relationship between HbA1c levels and testosterone in males (r = -0.436, p = 0.001), and an inverse relationship between HbA1c and hemoglobin levels (r = -0.299, p = 0.02). The study concludes that poor glycemic control is closely associated with decreased testosterone levels in males, as well as with adverse changes in hematological parameters, including decreased hemoglobin concentration and altered white blood cell differential. Therefore, routine testosterone screening is recommended for male diabetic patients.