hba1c levels in controlled diabetics with and without iron deficiency anemia: a tertiary care experience

Introduction: glycated hemoglobin (hba1c) is widely used to assess long-term glycemic control in diabetic patients. however, non-glycemic factors such as iron deficiency anemia (ida) may alter hba1c levels, potentially affecting its accuracy. this study aimed to evaluate the effect of ida on hba1c levels in diabetic patients with controlled fasting plasma glucose.materials & methods: an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 diabetic patients aged 18–60 years, divided equally into ida and non-ida groups. ida diagnosis was based on hemoglobin levels, red blood cell indices, serum ferritin, serum iron, and total iron-binding capacity (tibc). hba1c was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography; while fasting plasma glucose was determined by the glucose oxidase-peroxidase method.results:  mean hba1c levels were 6.1 ± 0.59% in the ida group and 6.2 ± 0.73% in the non-ida group, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.6143). age and gender showed more influence on hba1c values than ida status. no significant correlation was found between hba1c and hematological or iron parameters within the ida group.conclusion:  iron deficiency anemia does not significantly affect hba1c levels in diabetic patients with well-controlled fasting glucose. therefore, hba1c remains a reliable marker for glycemic control in these patients. clinicians should still interpret hba1c cautiously in anemic individuals and consider additional assessments if necessary.