Red Blood Cell Parameters as Cost-effective Biomarkers in Normal and Altered Glycemic States: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Hemoglobin A1C levels, along with fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels, are the tests routinely used in the diagnosis and management of diabetes. Complete blood count (CBC) is a simple blood test commonly done for various conditions, from which various red blood cell (RBC) parameters can be assessed. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between blood glucose levels and RBC parameters, which can be assessed from routine blood investigations done during follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were categorized into three groups based on their hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels: normal, prediabetic, and diabetic groups. The first normal group (HbA1C <5.7%), the prediabetic group (HbA1C 5.7%-6.4%), and the diabetic group (HbA1C >6.5%). CBC was done, and total RBC count, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration (MCHC), and RBC distribution width (RDW) were determined. The data from the three groups were analyzed and compared for statistical significance. RESULTS: Chi-square test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for analysis of data in testing for statistical significance between the groups. Significant statistical difference was observed between the groups in MCV, MCHC, and RDW. The diabetic group observed the highest MCV (93.84 ± 8.98), highest RDW (44.59 ± 1.67), and least MCHC (33.09 ± 2.01) when compared with the prediabetic and normal groups. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that RBC parameters, which are often overlooked need to be considered as important indicators of glucose regulation and inflammatory status in addition to routine HbA1C and blood glucose assessment for comprehensive management of patients.