EXPLORING THE INTERRELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ELECTROLYTES, ANEMIA, AND GLYCOSYLATED HEMOGLOBIN (HBA1C) LEVELS IN TYPE 2 DIABETICS

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the interrelationship and pattern of electrolyte imbalance and compare the correlation between serum electrolytes, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), and hemoglobin (Hb) levels between Type 2 diabetic patients and non-diabetic subjects.Methods: This study was conducted in 300 subjects (150 diabetics and 150 non-diabetics) and further categorized as anemic and non-anemic within each group. Blood samples were analyzed for HbA1C, hemoglobin, and serum electrolyte levels.Results: Sodium (Na+) levels in diabetics were significantly lower and potassium (K+) as well as chloride (Cl−) levels were significantly higher, when compared with non-diabetics. A significant positive correlation between HbA1C and potassium as well as chloride levels in contrast to negative correlation with sodium levels was observed in both genders. Among diabetics with anemia, we found significantly lower sodium and higher potassium and chloride.Conclusion: In diabetics, levels of sodium were significantly lower, and potassium as well as chloride was significantly higher when compared with non-diabetics. Our study clearly demonstrates an association between electrolytes, hemoglobin, and HbA1C levels in diabetes. This insight should pave the way for pathophysiology-directed therapy, thus contributing to the avoidance of several deleterious effects associated with electrolyte disorders and their treatment.