The common condition of iron deficiency anemia can
lead to rises in HbA1c levels of up to 2% that can be
reversed by iron treatment.39–43 The reason for this rise
is not fully understood, and since iron deficiency is a
common finding, especially in premenopausal women,
it could influence not only the relationship between
MBG and HbA1c, but also the management of these
patients.44 However, the overall relationship between
mean plasma glucose (MPG) and HbA1c, in the population
of premenopausal women participating in the DCCT,
was similar to that of men, suggesting that overt anemia
is required in order to have a significant effect on HbA1c
measurement.45