Prevalence and characteristics of anemia in patients with diabetes mellitus aged 50 or older in health unit area of Cadiz (Spain)

Background

Anemia is a common comorbidity in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), particularly in older adults. However, there is a lack of data on the prevalence and the characteristics of anemia in this population in Spain.

Objective

To describe the prevalence and the characteristics of anemia in patients with DM aged 50 or older (PDM50) in a healthcare district in the province of Cádiz.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted that included outpatient’s laboratory tests (OLT) performed over 30 months at PDM50.

Results

The prevalence of anemia was 29.9% (95% CI: 28.7%–31.1%), predominating in women (33.3% vs 26.7%; P < 0.01), in older people stratified by decades (61.7% in 9th decade vs 12% in 5th decade; P < 0.01), and in those with kidney disease (44.7% vs 28%; P < 0.01). Most cases were mild (68.3%), normocytic (78.7%), and hypochromic (52%). Similarly, moderate-to-severe anemia was more frequent in women (39% vs 23%), their prevalence increased with age (45% in the 9th decade vs 24% in the 5th decade), and with the progression of kidney damage, either measured by a decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (49% in G4 vs 25% in G1), or the presence of albuminuria (P < 0.01). No association was found between DM control, based on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and anemia in either sex (P = 0.887).

Conclusion

This study describes a high prevalence of anemia in PDM50, particularly in women, in the most advantageous people and in the presence of kidney disease, even in early stages, highlighting the clinical importance of this coexistence.