Effect of iron deficiency anaemia over glycated hemoglobin in non-diabetic women

Background: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a form of hemoglobin bound to glucose and used as an index of glycaemic control reflecting glucose levels of the previous three months. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the commonest form of anemia that affects HbA1c. Reports on the effects of IDA on HbA1c levels are inconsistent in India. Therefore, the study correlated the HbA1c and IDA in non-diabetic female patients. Methods: A correlative study between HbA1c and IDA was carried out at the Department of Biochemistry, A. J. Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangaluru, India. A total of 50 non-diabetic female patients, aged between 20-50 years, with decreased levels of Hb, MCV and MCHC were selected. Their ferritin levels were determined by ELISA method to confirm IDA. Forty confirmed iron-deficient samples whose serum ferritin levels were <90 pg/dL, were tested for HbA1c levels by nephelometry method. Results: HbA1c correlated positively with serum ferritin, Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC (P<0.05). There was a significant decrease in mean value of HbA1c in those with severe anemia (4.50±0.34) compared to those with moderate anemia (5.18±0.35) (P<0.001). Conclusion: Results showed positive correlation of HbA1c with ferritin and hemoglobin. Therefore, iron status should be considered during the interpretation of the HbA1c concentrations in diabetes mellitus.