Prevalence of Anemia in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of anemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and to assess the risk of anemia according to gender, age and glycemic control. METHODS: The study group comprised of patients with type 2 diabetes attending Outpatient Diabetic Department of Amiri Hospital (Al-Asimah Capital area) from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. Patients were divided into groups according to glycemic status and gender. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) values and hemoglobin (Hb) levels were evaluated. The presence of anemia was defined by an Hb level < 13.0 g/dL for men and < 12.0 g/dL for women. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia is significantly greater in diabetic females (38.5%) than in diabetic males (21.6%) and in poorly controlled diabetics (33.46%) than those with glycemic status under control (27.9%) (P < 0.05). The average age of patients with anemia was found to be 60.69 ± 0.198 years and the average age of patients without anemia was found to be 54.07 ± 0.121 years. This indicates that the risk of anemia increases with age. CONCLUSION: Screening for anemia at the time of diagnosis of diabetes, diabetic medication compliance, awareness of the risk of anemia and other complications in the diabetic patients helps in reducing the prevalence of anemia in diabetic population.