Low HbA1c levels linked to iron deficiency anemia in non-diabetic Saudi women;finds study
According to a recent study report,HbA1c has been linked significantly with parameters related to iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in non-diabetic Saudi women,making researchers to recommend a prior assessment of IDA-related parameters ,to making a diagnosis of diabetes. The findings have been published in Journal of International Medical Research.
Anemia is a major public health problem in many parts of the world and affects approximately 30% of the global population. Previous epidemiologic studies have linked the IDA-associated depletion of Hb with a high glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level; however, the mechanism of this relationship has yet to be elucidated. It is speculated that modification in the Hb backbone, delayed turnover, and the longer lifespan of red blood cells (RBCs) that is associated with IDA predispose the molecule to a higher rate of glycation.
With this background, a team of researchers undertook the recent study Studies of patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) have shown a relationship between high glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and low hemoglobin (Hb) concentration. The present study was conducted to determine the influence of IDA on HbA1c in non-diabetic women.
Fifty-nine Saudi women (20 to 50 years old) were enrolled and categorized into groups according to their circulating hemoglobin concentration: Non-IDA (Hb ≥7.45 mmol/L; n = 38) and IDA (Hb ≤7.44 mmol/L; n = 21). The IDA group was further subdivided according to the severity of the IDA, as follows: mild (Hb 6.83 to 7.44 mmol/L; n = 9) and moderate–severe (Hb <6.83 mol/L; n = 12). HbA1c, Hb, ferritin, fasting blood glucose, and red blood cell (RBC) count were measured in each participant.
Data analysis revealed some interesting facts.
· HbA1c did not significantly differ between the groups, but the absolute HbA1c level was significantly lower in the mild and moderate–severe anemia groups than the non-anemic group, and was positively associated with Hb, ferritin, and RBC count.
· In addition, the HbA1c level was inversely associated with the Hb concentration.
Observing the results, the team wrote "In summary, the absolute HbA1c concentration was found to be affected by the circulating Hb concentration in adult Saudi women, and the magnitude of this effect depended on the severity of the anemia. However, whether the severity of IDA increases the risk of DM and its complications remains to be determined. It is recommended that clinicians perform hematologic measurements relevant to IDA when HbA1c is used for the diagnosis of DM. Interventional studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to determine whether the correction of IDA normalizes HbA1c."
For full article follow the link: 10.1177/0300060521990157
Primary source: Journal of International Medical Research
