Aims and objective Anemias are a burden for management because they are associated with the worsening of the pathophysiology of diseases. They can be multifactorial, including micronutrient deficiencies including iron deficiencies. This study aimed to biologically characterize anemias and iron deficiency anemias during diabetes and to identify the associated factors.

Methods Over 4 months, we conducted an analytical cross-sectional study from August to November 2024. 210 diabetic patients, attending the diabetology unit of the regional hospital in West Cameroon were studied, 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. 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%. 11.4% were found to have iron deficiency anemias. The blood count revealed hematological abnormalities characterized by leukopenia (41.4%), granulocytopenia (35.7%), and thrombocytopenia (2.86%) with macroplateletosis (40.0%). 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 iron deficiency anemia in diabetes with (Or=2.83, 95% CI= [1.17;6.80]; p=0.021) and Or=2.38, 95% CI= [0.14;3.09], p=0.045, respectively.

Conclusion This study reports a significant frequency of anemia and iron deficiency anemia in diabetic patients; the latter is associated with worsening clinical manifestations in patients. This study raises the need for regular exploration of iron status in diabetics to prevent complications related to iron deficiency.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

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The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

This study was conducted after obtaining study authorizations and ethical clearance issued by the Institutional Ethics and Research Committee of the University of the Mountains (No. 2024/211/UdM/PR/CEAQ). The authorization for collection and analysis (No. 663/L/MINSANTE/SG/DRSPO/HRB/D) was obtained by the Regional Hospital of Bafoussam.

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