Association of Glucose‐6‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency with Diabetes Mellitus

The prevalence of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency was estimated in 318 diabetic patients using Beulter's fluorescent Spot test. A significantly (p<0.001) higher prevalence of G6PD deficiency was detected among diabetic patients (19.6%) as compared to controls (10.4%). The distribution of G6PD deficiency varied with age, sex, and duration of diabetes. Among diabetic men, the prevalence of deficiency was significantly higher than controls in both age groups; 40 years and below, and 41 years and above (p<0.005 and p<0.02, respectively). Among diabetic women, the significantly higher prevalence of deficiency was observed only in the young age group (p < 0.005), whereas the difference among the older age group was not significant (p>0.1). A significant increase in the prevalence of deficiency with increase in duration of diabetes was detected among men (p<0.05), but not in women. The results of the study suggest a positive association between G6PD deficiency and diabetes mellitus. 1985 Diabetes UK