Type 2 Diabetes and Iron Deficiency: The Effect of Oral and Intravenous Iron Therapy on HbA1c

Authors : Esra Timurkaan, Mustafa Timurkaan, Muhammed Fuad Uslu
Pages : 96-102
Doi:10.58961/hmj.1833166
View : 51 | Download : 221
Publication Date : 2025-12-25
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Objective: The relationship between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and HbA1c has been the subject of many recent studies. However, there are serious inconsistencies among studies in the literature. Our aim is to investigate how HbA1c levels are affected before and after treatment in diabetic patients diagnosed with IDA and to clarify unresolved issue. Methods: This retrospective analysis was conducted on 899 patients diagnosed with IDA and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). A total of 166 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Participants were divided into three groups: those receiving intravenous iron therapy, those receiving oral iron therapy, and those not receiving any treatment. Results: The study included 166 patients, 104 of whom were female (62.7%) and 62 were male (37.3%). The average age of the patients was 59.10 ± 13.31 years. In all groups—IV, oral, and no treatment—the second glucose measurement showed a significant increase compared to the first (p<0.001). In the no-treatment group, the second HbA1c measurement showed a significant increase compared to the first (p<0.01). When comparing HbA1c levels between groups, we found no significant difference either before or after treatment. Conclusion: In this retrospective cohort of patients with T2DM and IDA, HbA1c levels remained largely stable in iron-treated patients, while increases in HbA1c and glucose levels were observed in the untreated group, paralleling a decrease in ferritin. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that unresolved iron deficiency may lead to higher HbA1c values. Clinicians should interpret HbA1c values cautiously in the presence of anemia, as iron status may cause HbA1c values to be artificially higher or lower than expected.
Keywords : Demir eksikliği anemisi, HbA1c, oral demir, parenteral demir, Tip 2 Diyabet Mellitus

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