Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases worldwide with significant morbidity and mortality. HbA1c remains one of the most important methods for diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. HbA1c is a reflection of the glucose attached to red blood cells, factors affecting haemoglobin and red blood cells’ half-life can influence HbA1c measurements.
HbA1c remains one of the most important methods for diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. HbA1c is a reflection of the glucose attached to RBC. Factors affecting haemoglobin and RBC half-life can influence HbA1c measurements. Iron deficiency anemia prolongs red blood cell lifespan, increasing glycation exposure and raising HbA1c independently of true glucose levels
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Various studies have found a significant increase in HbA1c levels in iron deficiency anemia and sickle cell disease in patients not known to have diabetes. This effect can have negative implications is diagnosis as well as management of diabetes. The patients may get started with hypoglycaemic agents when not having diabetes and for those who have it, they can get over medicated or even be blamed for not managing the condition properly.
For a country like ours, where incidence of iron deficiency anemia is high, a greater vigilance is required while starting the medication and also while monitoring the disease.
This highlights the need for routine anemia screening alongside HbA1c testing to ensure precise diabetes care and prevent mismanagement.
MBH/AB