Correlation of Hemoglobin A1c with Red Cell Width Distribution and Other Parameters of Red Blood Cells in Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Impact of calcium channel blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers on hematological parameters in type 2 diabetic patients

Antihypertensive medications have been associated with a reduction in hemoglobin (Hb) levels, leading to clinically significant anemia. We aimed to provide valuable insights into the impact of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) on hematological parameters by measuring the levels of erythropoietin (EPO), ferritin, and complete blood count (CBC) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), particularly considering the duration of the antihypertensives use. In addition to comparing their effects on blood pressure, glycemic status, and renal function, a retrospective cohort study was conducted at the consultation unit of Alsalam Teaching Hospital, Mosul, Nineveh Province, between October 2022 and February 2023. A total of 160 participants were enrolled after being fully examined by the consultants to detect their eligibility for inclusion in the study and to rule out any abnormality. They consisted of 40 healthy controls, 30 T2DM patients (T2DM group), 30 T2DM patients with newly diagnosed hypertension (HT) (T2DM+HT group), 30 type 2 diabetic-hypertensives on ARBs (T2DM+HT+ARBs group), and 30 type 2 diabetic-hypertensives on CCBs (T2DM+HT+CCBs group). Five milliliters of blood was drawn from a vein and divided into two parts. Two milliliters was transferred into an anticoagulant tube for the measurement of HbA1c and complete blood picture. Serum was obtained from the remaining blood and used for assessment of ferritin, EPO, FSG, creatinine, urea, and uric acid. Significantly reduced FSG and HbA1c levels were observed in T2DM+HT+CCBs and T2DM+HT+ARBs groups vs T2DM+HT group (p < 0.05). The T2DM+HT+CCBs group had statistically higher urea levels than the T2DM group (p < 0.05). Both CCBs and ARBs use resulted in reduced creatinine clearance (CrCl). T2DM+HT+CCBs group exhibited slightly higher uric acid levels compared to controls (p < 0.05). Prolonged use of CCBs and ARBs led to disturbances in hematological parameters, with CCBs users showing the lowest levels of hemoglobin (Hb), RBCs, and hematocrit (Hct) among the groups. ARBs users displayed the lowest values of EPO and ferritin compared to other patient groups, along with reduced levels of Hb, RBCs, and Hct, albeit slightly higher than CCBs users. Our study highlights the importance of a balanced approach in prescribing ARBs and CCBs to patients with T2DM, given their potential to induce blood abnormalities, particularly with prolonged usage.

Association of Hematological Parameters and Diabetic Neuropathy: A Retrospective Study

Background

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and is characterized by persistent inflammation. Hematological parameters have emerged as a novel marker for detecting chronic inflammatory conditions, including diabetes.

Aim

We aim to examine the association between HbA1c levels, which can indicate the presence of diabetic neuropathy, and hematological parameters to explore the possibility of using hematological parameters as a new indicator for DN in T2DM patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 768 (483 males and 284 females) medical records of adult T2DM patients with or without neuropathy who attending the outpatient neuromuscular clinic at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital from January 2016 to December 2021.

Results

The results showed significant increases in HbA1c levels (p=0.000), lymphocyte levels (p=0.028), and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p=0.011). In the T2DM group, HBA1C levels were found to be positively correlated with age (r=0.306, p=0.000), neutrophil (NEUT) (r=0. 287, p=0.000), platelet (PLT) (r=0. 148, p=0.039), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (r=0.306193, p=0.0007), and negatively correlated with gender (r=-0.306193, p=0.0007). In the T2DMN group, HBA1C levels showed a positive correlation with hemoglobin (HB) (r=0.084, p=0.045), PLT (r=0.087, p=0.037), and PLT/mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) ratio (PLT/MCH ratio) (r=0.12, p=0.004), and a negative correlation with age (r=-0.204, p=0.000), gender (r=-0.086, p=0.041), weight (WT) (r=-0.113, p=0.007), Body Surface Area (BSA) (r=-0.09, p=0.031), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (r=-0.292, p=0.000), and MCH (r=-0.186, p=0.000).

Conclusion

Our study found a significant association between HbA1c, a biomarker for diabetic neuropathy, and various hematological parameters (HB, MCV, MCH, PLT, PLT/MCH ratio) in T2DMN patients. By effectively controlling and monitoring these variables, it may be feasible to prevent or delay the progression of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients. However, further research is needed to validate these findings.

Comparative Study on Efficacy of Empagliflozin Versus Sitagliptin, as an Add-on Therapy to Metformin in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Introduction

More than 28.7 million individuals throughout the globe suffer from diabetes mellitus, with an estimated 11 percent of the population living with the condition in India. Changes in lifestyle and a variety of treatment plans are used in management. Metformin is a key drug for glycemic control, both when used alone and in combination. Our research compares the effectiveness of glycemic control achieved by empagliflozin plus sitagliptin.

Methods

This study took place from November 2022 to April 2023 at the tertiary care hospital. The study did not begin until the ethical review was completed. There were two groups of patients, A and B. Everyone received a daily dose of Metformin 1,000 milligrams. Sitagliptin (50 mg twice daily) was administered to individuals in Group A, whereas Empagliflozin (10 mg once daily) was given to those in Group B. After three months of therapy, HbA1c was used to compare the two groups' levels of glycemic control to those at the start of treatment. To do this, we employed a proforma. Version 25 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA) was used for the analysis.

Results

The average age of the 300 patients that participated in the trial was 42.33. There were 57.67% men and 42.33% females. "The mean reduction in HbA1c from baseline in Group A was -0.65 ± 0.11% and in Group B was -1.34 ± 0.13% with statistically significant P-value (P-value = 0.000)."

Conclusion

The combination of Empagliflozin and Metformin is superior to that of Sitagliptin and Metformin for the maintenance of glycemic control.

The relationship between red blood cell distribution width and islet β-cell function indexes in patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults

AIMS

The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between red blood cell distribution and islet β-cell function indexes in patients with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults.

METHODS

A total of 487 LADA patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into three groups according to RDW tertiles. Clinical and laboratory measurements of age, height, weight, duration of diabetes, blood pressure, RDW, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), C-peptide and blood lipids were performed. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β) were assessed using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) based on fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting C-peptide index (FCP). Correlations and multiple linear regressions were implemented to determine the association of RDW and islet function indexes.

RESULTS

As the increase of serum RDW level, the presence of β-cell secretion increased(P < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that there were significant correlations between RDW and male sex, age, duration, TG, Cr, FCP, and HOMA-β in all subjects. Multiple linear regressions indicated that RDW was significantly correlated with HOMA-β in the total population in both unadjusted and adjusted analysis. This finding could be reproduced in the subgroup of low GAD titers for HOMA-β. RDW were significantly associated with HbA1c in LADA patients with high GAD titers, but the correlation was not found in subgroup with low GAD titers in either unadjusted analyses or adjusted analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

RDW is associated with β-cell function assessed by HOMA-β after adjusting for covariates in LADA patients with low GAD titers.

Association of the Red Cell Distribution Width With the Glycemic Index and Lipid Profile in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background The aim of this study was to assess the association between the red cell distribution width (RDW) and the hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Materials and methods This case-control study included 130 individuals with T2DM disease who were admitted to the Diabetic Center in Taif, Saudi Arabia, between August and December 2022. The patients were divided into two groups: pre-diabetic (45 patients) and diabetic (85 patients). A total of 65 healthy people were included in the study as controls. The (HbA1c) level, lipid profile, and complete blood count (CBC) were determined for each participant, and differences in those parameters between the groups were evaluated using the one-way ANOVA test or Kruskal-Wallis test. The association between different parameters, including the RDW, was evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results Both the pre-diabetic and diabetic patients were obese and had high concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). None of the diabetic patients had anemia of any type. However, the RDW was higher in the diabetic group than in the healthy controls and a significant difference was detected. A positive correlation was detected between the RDW and the HbA1c levels and lipid profiles. Discussion The size of the red blood cells varied in patients with T2DM, as demonstrated by the high RDW values. The RDW showed a positive correlation with the glycemic index and with the lipid profile in patients with T2DM, suggesting that it is a useful prognostic marker for managing patients with T2DM.

Role of hematological parameters in pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus: A review of the literature

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia and abnormalities in insulin secretion and activity. There are numerous hematological parameters; however, this review article only focuses on red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell indices, platelet count, white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, which play an essential role in the pathogenesis of DM. Also, this review article aims to report the relationship between these hematological parameters and the development of DM. In con-clusion, this article shows that increased levels of platelets, red blood cells, hematocrit, lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio and decreased levels of hemoglobin are involved in the pathogenesis of DM. However, the role of basophils in DM is unknown yet.

Randomized Clinical Trial on Efficacy of Empagliflozin Versus Sitagliptin, In Addition to Metformin in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Introduction Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome affecting more than 28.7 million people worldwide and its prevalence in Pakistan is reported to be about 11%. Management includes lifestyle changes and varied therapeutic regimens. Metformin (MET) alone and in combinations is considered as an important agent for glycemic control. Our study is based on MET combination therapy with empagliflozin versus sitagliptin in order to achieve glycemic control. Methods This randomized clinical trial was conducted in the Department of Medicine and Allied of Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital, Islamabad, from January 2022 till June 2022. The ethical approval letter numbered FGPC. 1-1/2022/Ethical Committee was taken before the commencement of the trial. The patients were divided into group A and group B. All patients were given MET 1000mg twice a day. Group A patients were additionally given sitagliptin 50mg twice daily whereas Group B patients were additionally given empagliflozin 10mg once daily. Glycemic control was documented with HbA1c at the start of treatment and after three months of treatment in both groups. A proforma was used to collect data. Analysis of the data was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA). Results A total of 126 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 53.53 ± 6.49. 81.7% were males while 18.3% were females. The mean reduction in HbA1c from baseline in group A was -0.81 ± 0.19% and in group B was -1.13 ± 0.24% with statistically significant p-value (p-value = 0.000). Conclusion Empagliflozin in combination with metformin is more efficacious in maintaining glycemic control as compared to sitagliptin in combination with metformin.

Evaluation of Red Blood Cell Parameters as a Biomarker for Long-Term Glycemic Control Monitoring Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Southwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this study was to assess red blood cell parameters as a biomarker for long-term glycemic monitoring among T2 DM patients.

METHODS

Facility-based cross-sectional study through a consecutive sampling technique was conducted among 124 T2 DM patients at the chronic illness follow-up clinic of Jimma Medical Center (JMC) from July 27 to August 31, 2020. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical-related data. Five milliliters of the blood specimen were collected from each eligible T2 DM patient. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and red blood cell parameters were determined by Cobas 6000 and DxH 800 fully automated analyzers, respectively. Data were entered into EpiData software version 3.1 and exported to SPSS 25 version for analysis. Independent t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to address the research questions. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The mean age of study participants was 51.84± 11.6 years. Moreover, 60.5% of T2 DM patients were in poor glycemic control. There was a significant mean difference between good and poor glycemic controlled T2 DM patients in red blood cell count (4.79±0.5 vs 4.38±0.8), hemoglobin (14.13±1.4 vs 13.60±1.6), mean corpuscular volume (89.52±4.7 vs 92.62±7.5), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (29.63±1.6 vs 30.77±2.9), and red cell distribution width (13.68±1.1 vs 14.63±1.2) respectively. Red blood cell count was inversely correlated (r=-0.280, p=0.002) with HbA1c while mean corpuscular volume (r=0.267, p=0.003), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (r=0.231, p=0.010), and red cell distribution width (r= 0.496, p=0.000) were positively correlated with level of HbA1c.

CONCLUSION

Red cell count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and red cell distribution width could be useful indicators to monitor the glycemic status of T2 DM patients instead of HbA1c, though large prospective studies should be considered.

Assessment of hematologic indices and their correlation to hemoglobin A1c among Bosnian children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and their healthy peers

Background

Altered levels of many hematological parameters have been directly associated with diabetes in adults, while studies on children with type 1 diabetes mellitus are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine hematological indices in diabetic Bosnian children in comparison to healthy controls as well as to correlate their levels to blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c.

Methods

100 healthy and 100 children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (age 1-18) were included in this study. Complete blood count, hemoglobin A1c, and glucose were tested. Results were analysed by IBM SPSS Statistics version 23.

Results

Significant differences (p<0.05) between healthy and diabetic children were found in relation to HbA1c, glucose, mean platelet volume, the number of white blood cells and erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin and MCH values. No gender differences or significant age differences were seen for hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV, while platelets, MPV, and MCH differed by age only in healthy children. When diabetic children were classified according to HbA1c levels, significant differences were seen for erythrocyte count and hematocrit value (p=0.013 and 0.019, respectively). The number of erythrocytes and white blood cells correlated significantly with HbA1c (p=0.037 and 0.027, respectively).

Conclusions

Lower levels of erythrocytes, hematocrit, and hemoglobin in diabetic compared to healthy children indicate possible development of anemia, while higher MCV, MCH, and MPV values indicate an alteration in erythrocyte morphology. Hematological indices could be a useful inexpensive tool in the diagnosis and follow up of type 1 diabetes in children.

Reference Interval of Hemoglobin A1c and Influence of Hematological Parameters on Its Serum Concentration in Dogs

HbA1c could be an alternative to fructosamine as a marker for glucose levels over a longer period. In this study, we calculated a reference interval for HbA1c in dogs and investigated the correlation of HbA1c with hemoglobin and different hematological parameters. In total, 110 blood samples from dogs were investigated. Significant negative correlations were found between HbA1c and erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, as well as hematocrit. There was a tendency in the red cell distribution width. No significant correlation was found in the reticulocyte number and the erythrocyte indices. In conclusion, there is an association of different blood parameters with the HbA1c concentration, which have to be considered for the interpretation of HbA1c.