Haemoglobin A1c and Iron Deficiency Anaemia our Understanding Through the Decades

Abstract

Abstract HbA1c concentrations are affected by several factors including red blood cell turnover. The International Expert Committee has highlighted this observation for the benefit of physicians who evaluate HbA1c in diabetics. There are many types of anaemia that affect glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) values but iron deficiency anaemia, one of the most common, has been proved to show higher than true values of HbA1c. The mechanism of how iron deficiency anaemia affects HbA1c has yet to be understood. Several studies have been conducted in order to unravel the mechanisms but there still remains a dearth of information. Future research needs to focus on the mechanistic reasons why HbA1c is higher in patients with iron deficiency anaemia in particular. This can pave the way for possible large scale studies to address the HbA1c enhancing effect and the mechanism of increased HbA glycation in iron deficiency properly.