Abstract Background Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a widely used test for glycemic control. It is done for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Renal disease is accompanied by thyroid abnormalities, which affect HbA1c, especially in those taking erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). We aimed to find the effect of thyroid dysfunction on HbA1c in hemodialysis patients taking ESAs and those who do not. Materials and Method Fifty six patients were included in this study, which was done between September 2017 and June 2018, in Baghdad Teaching Hospital. Thyroid stimulating hormone, free T3, free T4 and HbA1c measurements were done. The patients were divided into 2 groups; those who took ESAs and those who did not, then they were subdivided into those with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism according to the Body mass index (BMI). Results Comparing HbA1c levels in hemodialysis patients taking ESAs and those who did not, showed no significant difference (5.79 ± 1.91 vs. 6.19 ± 1.64, P=0.09). The difference was also not significant in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid patients in both high and low BMI patients. The only significant difference in HbA1c was between hyperthyroid and hypothyroid patients in those not taking ESAs, and having low BMI (4.97 ± 1.36 and 7.51 ± 0.87 respectively, P=0.02). Conclusion There is no significant influence of thyroid hormone changes on HbA1c levels in hemodialysis patients taking and not taking ESAs. Keywords Hemoglobin A1c, Chronic kidney disease, Thyroid dysfunction, Hemodialysis, Erythropoiesisstimulating agents.
