Relationship of hba1c and pregnancy – related iron deficiency anemia

Background: Iron deficiency anemia is most common nutritional deficiency in pregnant women due to increased iron turnover and additional requirement by fetus. Glycemic index is popularly measured by assessing glycated proteins. HbA1c is affected by several factors including pregnancy. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women and glycated protein (HbA1c). Patients and Methods: It is a prospective study conducted at Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Department of Pathology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Science, Islamabad, Pakistan between the duration of April 2017 to June 2017. Total of 40 normal females were taken as control group, while 42 pregnant non – diabetic iron deficient patients. Results: Both groups included females of reproductive age. All parameters including hemoglobin, serum iron, serum total iron – binding capacity (TIBC), serum transferrin saturation and serum ferritin showed statistically significant between two groups (p <0.001). HbA1c also showed statically significant difference (p = 0.021). Conclusion: Study showed strong correlation between iron deficiency anemia and glycated proteins as it is increased as iron deficiency develops. So it may give false increase in levels in evaluation of glycemic index.