ABSTRACT

Background: HbA1c is gold-standard for the assessment of glycemic control in diabetic patients. Studies have shown that iron deficiency anemia is associated with increased levels of glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), but the mechanism remains unclear. Several studies suggest that iron deficiency anemia affects the levels of HbA1c.

Aim: To determine mean change in HbA1c with iron supplementation in type 2 diabetic with iron deficiency anemia.

Place and duration of study: This study was carried out in Endocrine OPD, Department of Medicine, Sheikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore from 9-4-2019 to 9-10-2019.

Methodology: This is a Quasi experimental trial. Patients fulfilling selection criteria were enrolled in the study. At baseline, blood sample was obtained for assessment of HbA1c. Reports were assessed and HbA1c was noted. Then patients were prescribed oral ferrous sulfate at 200mg/day for 3 months. After 3 months, blood sample was obtained again for assessment of HbA1c. Reports were assessed and HbA1c was noted.

Results: Mean age of patients in this study was 54.84±8.69 years. Among patients 101(55.5%) were male and 81(44.5%) were female. Pretreatment HbA1c level was 6.99±0.32 and post treatment HbA1c level was 6.29±0.32. Mean change in post treatment HbA1c level was 0.69±0.03 (p =0.000)

Conclusion: Treating iron deficiency anemia in diabetic patients results in significant reduction of HbA1c level. It is also recommended to screen type 2 diabetic patients for iron deficiency anemia and prescribing iron supplements with uncontrolled glycemic level.

Keywords: Type-2, Diabetic, Anemia, HbA1c, Iron, Supplementation.