Published in PLOS One on 2026-07-16, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Mohamud Abshir Musse, Haftu Asmerom, Mesay Arkew, Rajesh Sarkar, Winner Kucha
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0353173
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from inadequate insulin production or ineffective insulin utilization. Type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form, is associated with alterations in hematological parameters. Notably, there is no evidence addressing hematological parameters and their associated factors among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Garowe City. Thus, this study aimed to assess hematological parameters and associated factors among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in comparison to healthy controls attending hospitals in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia, from October 1 to November 15, 2024.
A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted 266 participants (133 type 2 diabetic patients and 133 comparative groups) using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaires, checklists, and laboratory tests. Hematological parameters, fasting blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin were measured. The collected data were entered into Epi-data v3.1, and exported to STATA v17 for analysis. Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and correlation were used. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to see associations between predictors and outcomes. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
The current study found that the absolute counts of neutrophil, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width were significantly different between type 2 diabetic patients and the comparative group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the most prevalent hematological abnormalities among type 2 diabetic patients were anemia (31.6%), monocytosis (23.3%), thrombocytopenia (7.5%), and leukocytosis (6.8%). Multivariable analysis indicated that poor glycemic control was significantly associated with anemia (AOR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.06–8.8), while systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg was significantly associated with leukocytosis (AOR = 6.09, 95% CI: 1.09–33.9) in type 2 diabetic patients.
Absolute neutrophil count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width differed significantly between type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and the comparative group. Anemia, monocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and leukocytosis were the most frequently observed hematological abnormalities in both groups. Poor glycemic control was significantly associated with anemia, while elevated systolic blood pressure was associated with leukocytosis among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The occurrence of anemia in both groups suggests that factors beyond diabetes may contribute to its burden in this population.
Introduction
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a long-term metabolic condition that leads to high blood sugar levels related to either problems with insulin production, insulin function, or both [1]. The global prevalence of diabetes has increased substantially, from about 200 million individuals in 1990 to nearly 830 million in 2022, with low- and middle-income countries experiencing the fastest rate of increase [2]. The prevalence of diabetes in Somalia has increased, rising from 5% in 2016 [3] to 6.5% in 2021 [4]
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider hospital systems desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Mohamud Abshir Musse, Haftu Asmerom, Mesay Arkew, Rajesh Sarkar, Winner Kucha. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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