hemoglobin D

Hemoglobin D is a variant form of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport. Hemoglobinopathies are disorders caused by these variant hemoglobins. Hemoglobin D is primarily found in individuals of Afghan, Pakistani, and northwestern Indian descent, though it can also occur in people of European ancestry. When inherited from both parents (Hemoglobin D disease), it can lead to mild hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced. This is generally less severe than other hemoglobinopathies like sickle-cell anemia.12