Influence of Iron Deficiency Anemia on HbA1c: A Review

Abstract

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is widely used as a diagnostic tool for diabetes. Many clinical conditions affect erythrocyte turnover which influence HbA1c levels. These levels are lowered by different forms of anemia, but reverse is the case in iron deficiency anemia (IDA). This is suggested by various studies which propose an increase in HbA1c levels in patients with IDA. However, there are studies which negate any influence of IDA over HbA1c levels. In both cases the clinical data is not sufficient to confirm or nullify the role of IDA in increasing HbA1c levels.