Clinical Predictors of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Emirati Population with T2DM

Aim: To establish the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and its clinical predictors in Emirati patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients & Methods: 237 patients were included in the study. A full blood count was obtained in addition to routine blood and urine tests for all patients. Hemoglobin level and iron studies were done for diagnosis of anemia. Statistical analysis was done to find out the prevalence and independent predictors of anemia in the study population of Emirati type 2 diabetic patients. Results: Of the studied 237 patients; 36.3% had iron deficiency anemia as per the WHO criteria. Independent predictors of iron deficiency anemia were age ≥ 60 years, female gender and wide pulse pressure ≥ 60 mmHg. Hemoglobin level was directly proportionate to e GFR (p < 0.001). Participants with age ≥ 60 years had 4.2 times higher odds to exhibit anemia. Female participants had 1.95 times higher odds to exhibit anemia. Participants with wide pulse pressure ≥ 60 mmHg have 2.4 higher odds to exhibit anemia. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia is common in type 2 diabetic patients. Testing the patient for iron deficiency anemia should be considered in type 2 diabetes patients especially with age ≥ 60 years, female patients and those with wide pulse pressure ≥ 60 mmHg.