Anemia in diabetes: Experience of a single treatment center in Kuwait

Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder in Kuwait. Anemia is a known outcome of diabetes and its related complications. This study examined the prevalence of anemia in diabetic subjects in Kuwait as well as any association between the presence of anemia with Hemoglobin A_1c and diabetes complications.

The study subjects were diabetic patients with complete records and two or more visits at Dasman Diabetes Institute. Patient's data included demographics, complications, medications and laboratory results. Descriptive statistics were applied using SPSS.

Of 1580 included diabetic patients; the prevalence of anemia was 28.5% (95% CI: 26.3, 30.8). Diabetic females had a higher rate of anemia compared to males (35.8% vs. 21.3% respectively, p<0.001). There was no association between diabetes control (HbA_1c) and anemia in both genders (p=0.887). Patients with elevated serum creatinine and microalbuminuria were more likely to be anemic (p<0.001). Diabetic patients with anemia had higher presence of peripheral neuropathy and diabetic foot (p<0.001).

This study shows high prevalence of anemia in diabetic patients, particularly in those with diabetic complications. These results should prompt treatment centers to include anemia investigation and management within their diabetes treatment protocols to reduce morbidity in diabetes.