Diabetes mellitus with normal renal function is associated with anaemia

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nephrology
• Hematology

Background:

• Anemia is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), often linked to kidney disease.
• Limited data exists on hemoglobin levels and anemia rates in diabetic patients with preserved renal function.
• This study investigated anemia prevalence and hemoglobin levels in diabetic individuals with normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR > 60 mL/min).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate hemoglobin levels and anemia rates in diabetic patients with normal renal function.
• To determine if diabetes is an independent risk factor for anemia in patients with normal kidney function.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 9250 subjects' medical records from routine check-ups.
• Identification of 445 type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with normal renal function (eGFR > 60 mL/min).
• Comparison of diabetic subjects with non-diabetic individuals with normal renal function, analyzing biochemical and clinical data.

Main Results:

• Mean hemoglobin levels were lower in the diabetic group (14.2 g/dL) compared to the non-diabetic group (14.7 g/dL) (p < 0.001).
• Anemia prevalence was significantly higher in diabetics (10.8%) versus non-diabetics (2.7%) (p < 0.001).
• Multivariate analysis confirmed DM as an independent determinant of anemia (OR 2.15; 95% CI: 1.07-4.31) after adjusting for age, gender, GI disease history, and renal function.

Conclusions:

• Anemia is more prevalent in diabetic patients, even with normal renal function (eGFR > 60 mL/min).
• Diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for anemia in individuals with preserved kidney function.