The effect of iron supplementation on HBA1c levels in non-diabetic pregnant women

Abstract

Background: It is estimated that 41, 8% of pregnant women worldwide are anemic. At least half of this burden is assumed to be due to iron deficiency. Although iron deficiency anemia is very common in pregnancy, there has been limited research investigating glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1c) levels in nondiabetic anaemic pregnant women and the effect of iron supplementation on HbA1c levels. We aimed to investigate HBA1c level changes in anemic pregnant women after anemia is corrected and to evaluate the relation of HBA1c with haemoglobin, haematocrit, ferritin and red blood cell indices. Materials and methods: Thirty seven pregnant women (16-30 weeks into their pregnancies) who had been diagnosed as having iron deficiency anemia (IDA) were enrolled in the study. IDA was corrected with iron supplementation. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, ferritin and red blood cell indices were analysed prior to and following (1 month) iron replacement therapy. Results: HBA1c values significantly decreased after iron supplementation when compared to those in a pre-supplementation state (5.01 ± 0.39 vs. 4.69 ± 0.38).

Exploring the Impact of Iron Deficiency Anaemia on Glycated Haemoglobin A1c Levels in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review

“…Ultimately, this process included seven studies, ensuring that our review was based on the most relevant and high-quality research available. 17,[21][22][23][24][25][26] PRISMA flow-diagram of the search process is shown in Figure 1.…”

“…As shown in Table 1, the studies showcased a global interest in the relationship between IDA and HbA1c levels in pregnant and non-pregnant women, with research spanning Asia (Japan, Pakistan, India), 17,[22][23][24] Africa (Sudan, Egypt), 21,26 and Europe (Turkey). 25 The most prevalent research design was cross-sectional studies, 21,22,26 complemented by a prospective cohort study, 22 two case-control studies, 23,24 and two quasi-experimental studies. 17,25 One of the included studies had divided their study into two parts, the first part included 47 patients and the second part involved 17 patients who were followed prospectively.…”

“…25 The most prevalent research design was cross-sectional studies, 21,22,26 complemented by a prospective cohort study, 22 two case-control studies, 23,24 and two quasi-experimental studies. 17,25 One of the included studies had divided their study into two parts, the first part included 47 patients and the second part involved 17 patients who were followed prospectively. Consequently, the analysis was conducted separately for each part.…”

“…In addition, six of the included studies found a positive correlation between IDA and HbA1c levels, as lower haemoglobin levels were related to higher HbA1c levels. 17,[21][22][23][24][25] In contrast, Fadlelseed et al showed that HbA1c levels were unrelated to IDA. 26 These individual study results, along with the computed averages and standard deviations, provide a comprehensive picture of IDA's variability and potential effects on HbA1c levels in pregnant women.…”

“…IDA has been recognized as a significant factor influencing HbA1c levels since Horton and Huisman first explored the condition in 1965. 20 Subsequent studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the impact of IDA on HbA1c levels during pregnancy, with most indicating higher levels in IDA patients, 17,[21][22][23][24][25] while others show unchanged levels. 26,27 This study summarizes the current evidence on the difference in HbA1c levels with IDA indicators in pregnant and nonpregnant women.…”