A Study on How Iron Deficiency Anemia Affects Hba1c Levels in those without Diabetes and those who are Pre-Diabetic


Authors : Dr. M. Naga Pradeep; Dr. A. Nanda Gopal Reddy; Dr. S. Dimple

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 1 - January


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/bdtwn7yh

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2ucnhzp8

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14769398


Abstract : Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most prevalent nutritional anemia globally, affecting approximately 30% of the population. It has significant health implications, particularly in developing countries. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a critical marker for assessing glycemic control and is used in diagnosing diabetes.  Objective: This study aims to evaluate the influence of iron deficiency anemia on HbA1c levels in non-diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals, assessing changes in HbA1c levels pre and post-correction of iron deficiency.  Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted over 18 months at Katuri Medical College and Hospital. The study included 200 participants (100 with IDA and 100 controls). Various hematological parameters, including HbA1c, were measured before and after iron supplementation.  Results: The study found that participants with IDA had significantly lower HbA1c levels before treatment (4.60 ± 0.31%) compared to post-correction levels (5.80 ± 0.31%). The results indicated a statistically significant increase in HbA1c levels following the correction of iron deficiency, aligning closely with control group levels.  Conclusion: The findings suggest that iron deficiency anemia significantly affects HbA1c levels, which can lead to misdiagnosis of diabetes. It is crucial to consider iron status when interpreting HbA1c results in clinical practice, particularly in populations with a high prevalence of anemia. Further research is recommended to explore the relationship between IDA and glycemic control in larger cohorts.

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Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most prevalent nutritional anemia globally, affecting approximately 30% of the population. It has significant health implications, particularly in developing countries. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a critical marker for assessing glycemic control and is used in diagnosing diabetes.  Objective: This study aims to evaluate the influence of iron deficiency anemia on HbA1c levels in non-diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals, assessing changes in HbA1c levels pre and post-correction of iron deficiency.  Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted over 18 months at Katuri Medical College and Hospital. The study included 200 participants (100 with IDA and 100 controls). Various hematological parameters, including HbA1c, were measured before and after iron supplementation.  Results: The study found that participants with IDA had significantly lower HbA1c levels before treatment (4.60 ± 0.31%) compared to post-correction levels (5.80 ± 0.31%). The results indicated a statistically significant increase in HbA1c levels following the correction of iron deficiency, aligning closely with control group levels.  Conclusion: The findings suggest that iron deficiency anemia significantly affects HbA1c levels, which can lead to misdiagnosis of diabetes. It is crucial to consider iron status when interpreting HbA1c results in clinical practice, particularly in populations with a high prevalence of anemia. Further research is recommended to explore the relationship between IDA and glycemic control in larger cohorts.

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