Introduction: HbA1c is used for monitoring glycaemic control and to predict diabetic complications. IDA attributes to 50% of all forms of anaemia, globally. Reduced iron stores have a link with increased HbA1c, leading to false-high values of HbA1c. There is lack of clinical evidence suggestive of the influence of Iron Deficiency Anaemia on HbA1c.
Objectives: To evaluate the association between Iron Deficiency Anaemia and HbA1c values.
Methodology: Observational Cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 patients attending OPD/admitted to MVJ Medical College & Research Hospital, during the study period from January 2018 to December 2018. By Simple Random Sampling, patients with anaemia, normal fasting and postprandial plasma glucose levels, normal liver function tests, normal blood urea and serum creatinine levels were recruited for this study.
Results: Twenty-Five participants were in the iron deficiency anaemia group and 25 in the control (normal) group. Mean Hb among cases was 8.48±1.5 (5.4 to 10.9 gm dL) and that among controls was 14.2±0.8 (12.3-15.5 gm/dL). The mean HbA1c was 6.5±0.6. The mean HbA1c for cases with Iron Deficiency Anaemia was more than that for healthy controls (7.1±0.3 and 6.0±0.3 respectively) (p-value <0.0001).
Conclusion: Iron deficiency was associated with higher proportions of HbA1c. Which could cause problems in the diagnostic and therapeutic interpretation of the HbA1c concentrations. Hence, the iron status must be considered during the interpretation of the HbA1c.
