Prevalence of Nutritional Anaemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Absence of Renal Impairment

Abstract

Background: Anemia is more common in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is more likely when glycemic control is poor. Anemia in T2DM can reduce quality of life and increase cardiovascular risk, and therefore, its prevalence and contributory factors in diabetic patients with normal kidney function are important to understand. Aim and objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of anemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes and normal kidney function, focusing on blood glucose, serum creatinine, HbA1c, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels. The research also examined the influence of gender, age, and glycemic control on anemia occurrence. Materials and methods: This study was conducted at Balaji Medical College and General Hospital from March 2021 to January 2023 to evaluate blood glucose, HbA1c, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels in type 2 diabetes patients. Data were collected using a standardized proforma, including age, sex, occupation, physical activity, and clinical history. Biochemical and hematology analyses were performed on venous blood samples collected via venipuncture. Statistical analysis used an unpaired two-tailed t-test with a significance level of p < 0.05. The study included 100 patients categorized by glycemic control, gender, age, and socioeconomic status. Results: Results showed a high prevalence of anemia in uncontrolled diabetic patients (mean hemoglobin level 11.75 ± 1.72 g/dL vs. 14.46 ± 1.445 g/dL in the controlled cases, p = 0.0001). The mean hematocrit level was 35.46 ± 5.136% in uncontrolled patients compared to 43.62 ± 4.59% in controlled patients (p = 0.0001), showing a direct relationship between poor glycemic control and low hematological indices. Conclusion: The study shows that anemia is common in people with type 2 diabetes, especially if their blood sugar is not well controlled or as they get older. It highlights the need for regular blood tests to check for anemia in diabetes patients, especially older ones. The study recommends adding iron supplements, balanced diets, and vitamins to treatment plans. These steps can help manage both diabetes and anemia better, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.