Prevalence and Determinants of Anemia in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study

• SYED MAHMOOD-UL-HASSAN

  Assistant Professor of medicine , Medical Unit 01 , Services Hospital , Lahore

  Author

• MUHAMMAD IMRAN

  Consultant physician , Medical unit 2 , Services hospital , Lahore

  Author

• MUHAMMAD USMAN GHANI

  MBBS , FCPS Medicine Senior Registrar , Medical Unit 01 , Services Hospital lahore

  Author

Background: Anemia is a common but often overlooked complication in adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). The prevalence of anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia (IDA), may affect the overall health and quality of life in this population.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of anemia, specifically IDA, and explore the relationship between anemia and glycemic control in adolescents with T1DM.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Medical unit of services hospital Lahore from 1^st January 2024 to 31^st December 2024. A total of 150 adolescents aged 10–19 years with T1DM were enrolled. Hemoglobin (Hb), serum iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and HbA1c levels were measured. Anemia was defined as Hb <12 g/dL in females and <13 g/dL in males, while IDA was diagnosed based on low serum iron and ferritin levels and high TIBC.

Results: Anemia was found in 70 (46.7%) adolescents, with IDA accounting for 39 (55.7%) of these cases. HbA1c levels were significantly higher in anemic patients (p<0.05), and these adolescents also showed poorer anthropometric measurements.

Conclusion: Anemia, especially IDA, is highly prevalent in adolescents with T1DM and is associated with poor glycemic control. Early screening and management of anemia are crucial in improving overall health outcomes in these patients.

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