Prevalence and Determinants of Anemia and Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Patients With Diabetes Mellitus in Cameroon: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Anemia is a significant complication that worsens disease outcomes. They can be multifactorial, including micronutrient deficiencies and iron deficiencies. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of anemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among diabetic patients in Cameroon.

METHODS

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over 4 months from August to November 2024. A total of 210 diabetic patients, attending the diabetology unit of the regional hospital in the West Region of Cameroon, were studied, with their age range between 20 and 70 years. Blood samples were taken for biological tests, including blood count, glycemia, glycated hemoglobin, ferritin, and serum, following standard assay protocols. The results obtained were analyzed using the R statistical tool version 4.1.1.

RESULTS

The sex ratio was 0.89, and the mean age was 48.32 ± 18.19 years. A total of 48.6% of patients were overweight. The frequency of anemia was observed in 72 females (53%) and 63 males (46.7%), with a total frequency of 64.3%. A total of 8.57% were found to have IDA. Anemias were characterized by microcytosis [11.1% in anemic patients versus none in non-anemic patients (p < 0.001)], hypochromia [88.9% in anemic patients versus 72% in non-anemic patients (p < 0.001)], and greater regeneration in anemic patients versus non-anemic patients (p < 0.001). Macroplateletosis and high Hb1AC were identified as predictive factors for IDA in diabetes with (OR = 2.83, 95% CI = [1.17; 6.80]; p = 0.021) and OR = 2.33, 95% CI = [0.14; 3.19], p = 0.044, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study reports a significant frequency of anemia and IDA in diabetic patients; the latter is associated with worsening clinical manifestations. Routine screening for anemia and iron deficiency is recommended in diabetic patients to enable timely intervention and reduce related complications.