Influence of iron deficiency anemia on glycated hemoglobin levels in non-diabetic Saudi women

OBJECTIVE: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: HbA1c is significantly associated with parameters related to IDA in non-diabetic Saudi women. Therefore, assessment of IDA-related parameters is recommended prior to making a diagnosis of diabetes.