Prevalence of Anemia in Thai Type 2 Diabetic Patients with No Diagnosis of Associated Cardiovascular or Chronic Kidney Diseases

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Anemia in type 2 diabetes may be unrecognized since most studies have been interested in other risk factors for cardiovascular (CVD). The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anemia in type 2 diabetes patients who has no diagnosis of associated  CVD or chronic kidney diseases (CKD).

Methods: This is a survey study in the type 2 diabetic individuals. All of 1878 patients were screened and 714 had no diagnosis of CVD or CKD. Only 247 individuals (Males: 106; females: 141) with completion of creatinine and hemoglobin values were enrolled into the study.   The data were collected retrospectively from out-patient medical records and the electronic data bases for the patients who were followed up at a university hospital during 2010. The latest laboratory values of all patient visits were used in the analysis.

Results: Of all 247 individulas, it was found that 122 patients (49.4 %, 95% CI 43-55%) of these individuals had anemia (haemoglobin<12 g/dl for women and <13 g/dl for men). A general linear model showed that gender, renal function and weight were significantly correlated with haemoglobin levels (p< 0.001). Males had higher haemoglobin levels than females as expected. Of all 122 anemia patients, it was observed that 45.9% had eGFR 60-89 ml/min/m2 and 37.7% had eGFR less than 30 ml/min/m2.

Conclusion:The study indicated that anemia occurs commonly in diabetic patients who have no diagnosis of CVD and CKD. One of crucial factors associated with anemia in the population was renal impairment. Early identification of anemia and CKD is warrant in order to preventprogression of anemia and consequent severe complications in this population.

Keywords: Diabetes, anemia