Frequency of iron deficiency anemia in type 2 diabetes - Insights from tertiary diabetes care centres across India

Aim: To study the frequency of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) seen at tertiary diabetes care centres across India.Methods: This is a retrospective study (January 1, 2017-December 31, 2019), which included 1137 in-dividuals with T2DM, aged >= 18 years, for whom data on glycemic, lipid and haematological parameters were available. Anthropometric measurements were done using standardized techniques. Biochemical investigations included fasting plasma glucose[FPG], post prandial plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipids and serum ferritin and iron wherever feasible.Results: Of the 1137 individuals included for the study, 117 (10.3%) were categorized as no 'iron defi-ciency' (ID) group [normal hemoglobin: male >= 13 g/dl, female >= 12 g/dl and normal serum ferritin >= 70 mg/L], 123 (10.8%) as ID group [normal hemoglobin and low serum ferritin <70 mg/L)], 447 (39.3%) as IDA group [low haemoglobin: male <13 g/dl, female <12 g/dl and low serum ferritin] and 450 (39.6%) as 'anemia of chronic disease' (ACD) group [low hemoglobin and normal serum ferritin]. The percentage of women having ID (57.7%) and IDA (65.3%) was significantly higher than their male counterparts. ID was most prevalent (61.7%) in the individuals with duration of diabetes <5 years whereas ACD was most prevalent (50.5%) in individuals with long standing diabetes (>10 years). Independent risk factors for IDA were female gender (OR 3.3,95% CI:1.75-6.23, p < 0.001), duration of diabetes (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.11, p = 0.028) and FPG (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99-1.00, p = 0.018). Conclusions: There is a need of identifying and monitoring iron status and anemia in patients with T2DM.(c) 2022 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.