Prevalence of Anemia in People with Diabetes Mellitus- a Retrospective Cross Sectional Study At Al Assad University Hospital – Damascus

Abstract

Background: diabetes mellitus is a common disease with serious complications. Anemia is a common finding in diabetes even before declining in renal function. Early treatment of anemia associated with diabetes can slow vascular complications progression and improve quality of life.

Methods: This is a cross sectional descriptive retrospective study. Medical records of patients who were admitted during 2012-2013, were reviewed comprehensively. All records were included except: malignancies, anemia from other causes, blood transfusion, Iron or vitamins supplements, recently diagnosed Type 1 diabetes mellitus, celiac disease, and incomplete records.

Control sample (apparently healthy) collected from patients' relatives and hospital employees during study period. 

Results: 78 diabetics were anemic, 47 of them (60%) female and 31 (40%) males. Hemoglobin was significantly lower in diabetic people (11.08 ± 2g/dl) than in apparently healthy people (13.4 ± 1.8g/dl).

Conclusions: Anemia is more common in diabetic people than in apparently healthy people. Diabetes duration and glomerular filtration rate were correlated with anemia significantly. Its prevalence increases with longer duration of diabetes and with deterioration of renal function