HbA1c Status in Type II Diabetes Mellitus with and without Iron Deficiency Anemia

Background: Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) reflects patient’s glycemic status over the previous 3 months. Previous studies have reported that iron deficiency may elevate HbA1c concentrations, independent of glycemia. Aim: To assess the status of HbA1c in clinically diagnosed cases of type II Diabetes mellitus (DM) with and without iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Study Design: Case control study in rural hospital of Talegaon Dabhade, Pune. Methodology: The study includes 36 clinically diagnosed cases of type II DM with IDA and 36 controls which are age & sex matched having type II DM without IDA. Hematological parameters, fasting and post prandial blood glucose& HbA1c level were assessed in all subjects. Serum ferritin levels were assessed only in cases. Comparison between the parameters of cases and controls was done using appropriate statistical analysis. Results: Levels of HbA1c are increased in cases [clinically diagnosed patients of diabetes mellitus with iron deficiency anemia that is IDA] as compared to controls [clinically diagnosed patients of diabetes mellitus without IDA] irrespective of glycemic status. Conclusion: This study found a positive correlation between iron deficiency anemia and increased HbA1c levels, Hence IDA is to be taken in consideration while interpreting HbA1c in diagnosis and monitoring of Diabetes mellitus. Original Research Article Chaudhari et al.; IJBCRR, 29(8): 114-120, 2020; Article no.IJBCRR.61925 115