The Association of Blood Type Among Pregnant Women Aged 25-34 at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital - Clinical Division Outpatient Department in the Development of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) - Study Protocol

Vincent Enrico A. Ong, Franchezka Marie P. Napay, Samantha Marie L. Navarro, Daniella Faye T. Ngo, Victor Orlando D. Ocampo II, Gwyneth S. Olegario, Hexiqyl B. Ong, Christienne Chelito E. Onza, Andrea Gwyneth S. Oro, Jose Emmanuel M. Pacheco

Dec 2025 DOI 10.35460/2546-1621.2025-0217     Access   

Abstract

This study aims to establish the potential association between ABO blood type among pregnant women (25-34 years old) at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital - Clinical Division Outpatient Department in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). GDM, a prevalent condition during pregnancy, stems from the placenta producing hormones that impede insulin utilization in the body. This research seeks to ascertain whether maternal blood type correlates with the incidence of GDM, utilizing 24-28 week 75 g OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) as the diagnostic tool for GDM determination. Given the acknowledged genetic link between blood type and diabetes predisposition, genetic factors will be accounted for as potential confounders. Other variables such as maternal age, demographics and prior GDM history will also be considered due to their potential influence on GDM. The study employs a retrospective cross-sectional study with qualitative and quantitative analysis. It focuses on pregnant women's GDM development as the outcome, assessed concerning maternal blood type as the exposure. Utilizing a retrospective approach, past records of Filipino pregnant women aged 25 to 34 residing in the Philippines will be analyzed. Inclusion criteria encompassed Filipino citizenship, current residency in the Philippines, age between 25 and 34 years, a normal first trimester BMI (18.5-22.9 kg/m2) and normal HbA1c levels (4.0%-5.6%). Exclusion criteria involved pregnant women with more than five births, a family history of diabetes mellitus and a history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Conducted at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital - Clinical Division Outpatient Department, this research aims to determine if ABO blood type predisposes mothers to GDM, potentially offering preventive measures against associated complications such as post-pregnancy diabetes mellitus and fetal complications. 

 

Keywords: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM); ABO Blood Group; Pregnancy; 75g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT); Maternal Age 

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