Anemia in diabetes: Experience of a single treatment center in Kuwait

Prevalence and characteristics of anemia in patients with diabetes mellitus aged 50 or older in health unit area of Cadiz (Spain)

BACKGROUND

Anemia is a common comorbidity in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), particularly in older adults. However, there is a lack of data on the prevalence and the characteristics of anemia in this population in Spain.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence and the characteristics of anemia in patients with DM aged 50 or older (PDM50) in a healthcare district in the province of Cádiz.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted that included outpatient's laboratory tests (OLT) performed over 30 months at PDM50.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anemia was 29.9% (95% CI: 28.7%-31.1%), predominating in women (33.3% vs 26.7%; P < .01), in older people stratified by decades (61.7% in 9th decade vs 12% in 5th decade; P < .01), and in those with kidney disease (44.7% vs 28%; P < .01). Most cases were mild (68.3%), normocytic (78.7%), and hypochromic (52%). Similarly, moderate-to-severe anemia was more frequent in women (39% vs 23%), their prevalence increased with age (45% in the 9th decade vs 24% in the 5th decade), and with the progression of kidney damage, either measured by a decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (49% in G4 vs 25% in G1), or the presence of albuminuria (P < .01). No association was found between DM control, based on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and anemia in either sex (P = .887).

CONCLUSION

This study describes a high prevalence of anemia in PDM50, particularly in women, in the most advantageous people and in the presence of kidney disease, even in early stages, highlighting the clinical importance of this coexistence.

Prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a referral diabetic clinic in the north of Iran

BACKGROUND

PURPOSE: This study intended to investigate the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Gorgan, Iran.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 415 (109 men) patients with T2DM referred to the referral diabetes clinic of Sayad Shirazi Hospital in Gorgan in 2021. Demographic information, anthropometric indices, past medical history,  and some laboratory data on cell counts, serum blood glucose, HbA1c, creatinine, lipid/iron profiles, and urinary albumin were collected. The univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for potential associated factors, using SPSS version 21. The multivariable Model was adjusted for obesity, Hb A1c, T2DM duration, using glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs), chronic kidney disease (CKD), albuminuria, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia.  RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia was 21.5% [95%CI: 17.6-25.7] among our total participants. The corresponding values for men and women were 20.2 (13.1-29.0) and 21.9 (17.4-27.0), respectively.The adjusted model revealed that obesity (OR, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.17-3.23]), T2DM duration for more than five years (OR, 3.12 [1.78-5.47]), albuminuria (OR, 6.37 [3.13-10.91]), chronic kidney disease (OR, 4.30 [ 2.83-7.29]) and hypertriglyceridemia (OR, 1.72 [ 1.21-2.77]) were significantly associated with prevalent anemia among patients with T2DM. Moreover, using insulin separately or in combination with oral GLDs associated positively with the prevalence of anemia with ORs of 2.60 [1.42-6.42] and 1.87 [1.30-4.37] , respectively.

CONCLUSION

Anemia had a high prevalence among patients with T2DM in the north of Iran (about 22%), which is associated with obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, duration of T2DM, and diabetic kidney disease.

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 individuals 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 deficiency' (ID) group [normal hemoglobin: male ≥13 g/dl, female ≥12 g/dl and normal serum ferritin ≥70 μg/L], 123 (10.8%) as ID group [normal hemoglobin and low serum ferritin <70 μg/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.

Diabetic Wound-Healing Science

Diabetes mellitus is an increasingly prevalent chronic metabolic disease characterized by prolonged hyperglycemia that leads to long-term health consequences. It is estimated that impaired healing of diabetic wounds affects approximately 25% of all patients with diabetes mellitus, often resulting in lower limb amputation, with subsequent high economic and psychosocial costs. The hyperglycemic environment promotes the formation of biofilms and makes diabetic wounds difficult to treat. In this review, we present updates regarding recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetic wounds focusing on impaired angiogenesis, neuropathy, sub-optimal chronic inflammatory response, barrier disruption, and subsequent polymicrobial infection, followed by current and future treatment strategies designed to tackle the various pathologies associated with diabetic wounds. Given the alarming increase in the prevalence of diabetes, and subsequently diabetic wounds, it is imperative that future treatment strategies target multiple causes of impaired healing in diabetic wounds.

[Searching for additional markers of impaired iron metabolism in diabetes mellitus]

BACKGROUND

It is known that metabolic disorders in diabetes mellitus have a regulating effect on ferrokinetics, and therefore diabetes mellitus is often accompanied by various disorders of iron metabolism, both anemia and secondary iron overload. The main problem is timely and accurate differential diagnosis between anemia of chronic diseases and iron deficiency anemia. It is necessary to establish reliable laboratory markers of anemia of chronic diseases in order to solve this problem, as well as to understand what metabolic disorders can lead to the occurrence and aggravate the course of this type of anemia.

AIMS

To study the frequency of occurrence of violations of ferrokinetics in patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as to establish clinical and biochemical correlations that are significant in the differential diagnosis of various disorders of iron metabolism: iron deficiency anemia, anemia of chronic diseases and dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome in diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The research design a single-stage observational single-center research. The research was conducted on the basis of the endocrinological clinic of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Siberian State Medical University in Tomsk. The research included 76 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We conducted an assessment of all patients as follows: anthropometric data assessment; glycated hemoglobin study; creatinine level study with the calculation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using the CKD-EPI formula. We also evaluated the number of erythrocytes, reticulocytes, the hemoglobin concentration, haematocrit level and biochemical parameters of iron metabolism: serum iron and ferritin concentrations; the concentration of hepsidin and non-specific markers of inflammation: erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP).

RESULTS

20 people (26.3%) of the 76 patients included in the study, had type 1 diabetes mellitus and 56 people (73.3%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus. The parameters of ferrokinetics did not significantly differ in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, while in the group of patients with 20 patients (26.3%) from the 76 ones included into the research had type 1 diabetes mellitus and 56 (73.3%) from them had type 2 diabetes mellitus. The parameters of ferrokinetics did not significantly differ in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, while in the group of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the levels of CRP (p=0.034) and blood leukocytes (p=0.020) were significantly higher than in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Both in the main group of patients with impaired carbohydrate metabolism, and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, anemia of chronic diseases prevailed in the structure of the anemia syndrome. After dividing the main group of patients into groups by type of anemia syndrome: absence of anemia, anemia of chronic diseases and iron deficiency anemia, a comparative analysis of the average values of markers of inflammation and the level of hepsidin in these groups was performed. It was found that in patients with anemia of chronic diseases, the level of hepsidin is significantly higher than in patients without anemic syndrome (p=0.033). Paired correlation analysis showed a positive correlation of ESR with microalbuminuria (r=0.515; P&lt;0.0001), creatinine level (r=0.467; P&lt;0.0001) and negative &mdash; with GFR (r= -0.436; P&lt;0.0001) and iron in serum (r=-0.276; p=0.017). As the result of ROC analysis the most informative in the diagnosis of anemia of chronic disease were: ferritin &mdash; sensitivity 78%, specificity 52% with a diagnostic threshold of 75.5 ng/ml (area under the curve 0,695; p=0.006); ESR &mdash; sensitivity 67%, specificity 64% with a diagnostic threshold of 15.5 mm/HR (area under the curve of 0.750 in; p=0.040) and the CRP &mdash; sensitivity 67%, specificity 64% with a diagnostic threshold of 5.2 ng/ml (area under the curve 0,646; р&lt;0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Thus, the studied markers of inflammation &mdash; ESR and CRP, as well as hepsidin in combination with the classic diagnostic parameter &mdash; ferritin, demonstrated high value in the diagnosis of anemia of chronic diseases and can be included in the modified algorithm for differential diagnosis of anemia syndrome in patients with diabetes mellitus.

The Effect of Anemia and the Goal of Optimal HbA1c Control in Diabetes and Non-Diabetes

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of diabetes; however, many clinical conditions affect the HbA1c level, including anemia. And, the most common causes of anemia worldwide include iron deficiency anemia (IDA). We performed a systematic search using different combinations of MeSH words from the electronic database for the last 10 years (2011 to 2020). Articles included in the study were observational, randomized controlled trial (RCT), and review/systematic review. A total of 18 articles were included in the study. The majority of the studies showed the association between hemoglobin (Hb) and HbA1c. Large-scale studies showed that the HbA1c level increases in IDA and some studies showed its correction after the treatment with oral iron supplementation. Our study indicates the need for screening for anemia in patients before commencing the treatment of diabetes diagnosed via the HbA1c level. Furthermore, anemia should be corrected before setting the treatment goal of optimal HbA1c control, especially when the level is in the diagnostic threshold. Also, the purpose of strict HbA1c control is not recommended in the anemic patient before it is corrected. However, further large-scale interventional studies are needed to know precisely the goal of optimal HbA1c control in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.

Anemia and Its Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending Debre Berhan Referral Hospital, North-East Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE

Anemia is one of the common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), which has an adverse effect on the progression and development of other diabetes-related complications. In spite of this, relatively little information is available on the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Thus, this study assessed the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among T2DM patients at Debre Berhan Referral Hospital (DBRH), North-East, Ethiopia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to May 30, 2019, among 249 T2DM patients with follow up at DBRH, selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory tests; such as hemoglobin measurements, red blood indices, and serum creatinine analysis. The data were coded and entered into Epi-data manager version 4.4.1.0, and analysis by using SPSS version 22 was carried out. To identify the determinant factors of anemia, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

The study showed 20.1% of the participants were anemic. Being age >60 years (AOR=3.06, 95% CI: 1.32-7.11), poor glycemic control (AOR=2.95, 95% CI: 1.22-7.15), eGFR 60-89.9 mL/min/1.73m2 (AOR=2.91, 95% CI: 1.15-7.37), eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m2 (AOR=6.58, 95% CI: 2.42-17.93), DM duration >10 years (AOR= AOR=2.75, 95% CI: 1.17-6.48), and having diabetic complications (AOR=3.81, 95% CI: 1.65-8.81) were significantly associated with anemia.

CONCLUSION

One out of five T2DM patients had anemia. Poor glycemic control, decreased eGFR, presence of DM complications, duration of DM >10 years, and age >60 years were significantly associated with the occurrence of anemia among T2DM. Regular screening for anemia in all T2DM patients may help in the early detection and management of anemia.

Prevalence of Anemia and Its Associated Factors Among Adult Diabetes Mellitus Patients at Debre Tabor General Hospital, Northcentral Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is a cluster of metabolic disorders which is characterized by hyperglycemia. The occurrence of anaemia is a significant public health problem among diabetic patients because of complication and dietary modifications. So, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of anaemia among adult diabetes mellitus patients in Debre Tabor General Hospital, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study design was conducted. A simple random sampling technique was employed to collect data from 297 adult diabetic mellitus patients. After taking venous blood, the haemoglobin level was determined by using HemoCue 301 machine. Anaemia among diabetic patients was determined by using the haemoglobin level (<13.0g/dL for male and <12.0g/dL for female). Data were entered using EpiInfo version 7.2 and analyzed using SPSS version 21. The binary logistic regression model was used to explore the association of independent variables with anaemia. Finally, p-value <0.05 was used to declare the level of statistical significance.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anemia among diabetic patient was 29.81% (95% CI: 24.27, 35.35). Diabetic patients unable to read and write (AOR = 3.51, 95% CI: 1.40, 8.75), able to read and write (AOR = 9.76, 95% CI: 3.15, 30.24), ≥4 family size (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.99), intake of flesh meat (AOR=0.19, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.74), and parasitic infections (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.95) were more likely to develop anemia.

CONCLUSION

Anemia is a moderate public health problem among diabetic patients. Here, educational status, family size, intake of flesh meat, and intestinal parasite infections were the factors associated with the development of anaemia. So, working on these significant factors by health care providers during routine care is vital to prevent anaemia among diabetic patients.

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.