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Background Diabetes is a global public health problem and associated with metabolic, cellular, and blood disturbances. Hematological changes have been reported in diabetes and play a major role in diabetes-associated complications. However, reports are contradicting and data on hematological parameters of type 2 diabetic patients in the study area are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the hematological parameters of type 2 diabetic adult patients at Debre Berhan Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia from May 01 to June 30, 2020. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 268 (134 type 2 diabetic patients and 134 controls) study participants selected by systematic random sampling technique. Socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire and checklist. Ethical approval was obtained from Jimma University. All phase of quality assurance was maintained. Hematological parameters and blood glucose levels were determined using UniCel DxH 800 (Beckman Coulter, USA) and Biosystems A25 (Costa Brava, Spain) analyzers, respectively. Independent t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, correlation, and logistic regression were used during data analysis. P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results The current study found that total white blood cell count, absolute counts of neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil, and basophil, red blood cell distribution width, platelet count, and mean platelet volume were significantly higher in type 2 diabetic patients as compared to the control group (P<0.05). On the other hand, the mean hemoglobin was significantly lower in type 2 diabetic patients than the control group (P = 0.007). Anemia was found in 17.9% of type 2 diabetic patients. Longer duration of diabetes (AOR = 3.05, 95% CI = 1.12–8.34) and milk consumption (AOR = 4.60, 95% CI = 1.50–14.00) were significantly associated with anemia. Conclusion This study showed a statistically significant variation in some hematological parameters of type 2 diabetic patients compared to control group. Anemia among type 2 diabetic patients was found to be a mild public health problem. Therefore, routine screening of hematological parameters should be considered for proper management of type 2 diabetic patients. Close attention should also be given to the duration of diabetes and dietary practice.

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a measure of the change in size of red blood cells and it is used in combination with other hematological parameters for the differential diagnosis of anemias. Recent evidence suggested that the change in RDW level may be a predictive biomarker of morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death globally as compared to cancer and communicable diseases. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention of these diseases are very important to minimize their complications. Nowadays, the diagnosis of most cardiovascular diseases majorly depends on clinical judgment, electrocardiography and biochemical parameters. Red blood cell distribution width as a new predictive biomarker may play a pivotal role in assessing the severity and progression of CVDs. However, the underlying mechanisms for the association between RDW and CVDs are not clear. A deeper understanding of their association could help the physicians in more careful identification, early prevention, intervention, and treatment to prevent adverse cardiovascular events. This review aims to elaborate on the recent knowledge on the association between RDW and cardiovascular diseases and some possible pathophysiological mechanisms.

Introduction In Ethiopia, more than four million children are anticipated to live under particularly difficult circumstances. Street children are subject to violence, a lack of health care, and a lack of education. Which denies them the right to live in a secure environment and exposes them to different health problems. Currently, little is known about the prevalence of Streetism, including health conditions. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the health status of street children and determinants of Streetism. Methods Mixed methods (sequential) were employed from February 1 to 28, 2021. Quantitative cross-sectional study design and phenomenological qualitative designs were applied. Overall, 220 street children were involved in the study. The most common reason that forced the children to resort to a street way of life is to look for a job and quarreled with parents. The data were collected using interviews methods. Chi-square test and multiple binary logistic regression were applied to examine the variations among variables with the health status of street children. Qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic analysis technique. Results The study included a total of 220 street children. As to the quantitative study, the majority of study participants (92.73%) drank alcohol regularly. Depression (39.22%) and peer pressure (43.14%) were the most common initiation causes of drinking alcohol. According to a qualitative study report, "Street children are mostly affected by the communicable disease” and… They are addicted to substances like benzene” which had a profound effect on their health.” Furthermore, the study discovered a statistically significant association between respondents’ health status and sociodemographic characteristics (age and educational status), job presence, and drug use. Conclusion This study identified the factors that drove street children to live on the streets, such as the inability to find work and disagreements with their parents. The majority of the street children were affected by preventable and treatable diseases. Unfortunately, almost all street children reported drinking alcohol, which exposed them to a variety of health problems. In general, the study discovered that street children require immediate attention. Decision-makers and academicians should collaborate to develop a plan for these children’s health and social interventions.

Background: Diabetes has been proposed to inflict an insult on the hematopoietic milieu marked by changes in hematological indices including red blood cell parameters. Thus, this study aimed to assess the red blood cell parameters and their correlation with glycemic control in type 2 diabetic adult patients in comparison with apparently healthy individuals. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the chronic illness clinic of Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital from May 20 to July 10, 2022. A total of 220 (110 type 2 diabetic patients and 110 controls) study participants were selected by a simple random sampling technique. Five milliliters of venous blood were collected by the vacutainer blood collection technique. Red blood cell parameters and blood glucose levels were determined using UniCel DxH 800 and Biosystems A25 analyzers, respectively. Independent sample t-test and Pearson correlation test were used for the data analysis. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed in RBC parameters of T2DM patients and the control group. The mean RBC count, Hgb, Hct (P < 0.001), and MCHC (P = 0.002) in patients with type 2 diabetes was significantly lower than in the control group. However, the mean of RDW was significantly increased in type 2 diabetic patient groups than in the control group (P < 0.001). The mean RBC count, Hct, and Hgb in patients with good glycemic control were significantly higher than the patients with poor glycemic control. Besides, a statistically significant negative correlation was observed between glycemic control and RBC count, Hgb, and Hct level in diabetic patients. Conclusion:In this study, a statistically significant difference was observed in red blood cell parameters of type 2 diabetic patients compared to the control group. A significant negative correlation was noted between glycemic control and RBC parameters in type 2 diabetic patients. Therefore, evaluation of RBC parameters should be considered for better management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.