# Changes in hemoglobin levels and cardiometabolic health in adults with metabolic syndrome – a secondary outcome analysis of a six-month randomized controlled trial

## TL;DR

This study found that lower hemoglobin levels may be linked to better metabolic health in people with metabolic syndrome, though changes in hemoglobin during an intervention did not consistently correlate with other health improvements.

## Contribution

The study explores the relationship between hemoglobin levels and cardiometabolic health changes in a behavioral intervention for metabolic syndrome.

## Key findings

- Higher hemoglobin levels correlated with lower insulin sensitivity and higher liver fat content.
- Reduced hemoglobin levels correlated with improved insulin sensitivity and increased cardiorespiratory fitness.
- Changes in hemoglobin levels did not consistently correlate with most cardiometabolic changes during the intervention.

## Abstract

Lower hemoglobin (Hb) levels within the normal range have been associated with favorable metabolic traits in cross-sectional studies. This study investigated whether changes in Hb levels correlated with changes in physiological and cardiometabolic parameters during a six-month behavioral intervention in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

The six-month randomized controlled trial aimed to reduce sedentary behavior in adults with metabolic syndrome (n = 64). Key measurements included fasting blood samples, insulin sensitivity during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, insulin-stimulated liver glucose uptake, liver fat content (LFC), indirect calorimetry, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cardiac function. Correlations between changes in these variables and changes in Hb levels at baseline, three, and six months were examined.

Cross-sectionally, higher Hb levels correlated with lower insulin sensitivity (r=-0.35, p = 0.005), higher resting O2 consumption (r = 0.41, p < 0.001), higher resting energy expenditure (r = 0.49, p < 0.001), higher LFC (r = 0.40, p = 0.011), and greater left ventricular wall thickness (r = 0.42, p = 0.001). The intervention did not significantly impact Hb levels, and changes in Hb levels did not correlate with most cardiometabolic changes. However, reduced Hb levels correlated with reduced fasting blood glucose (r = 0.29, p = 0.032), improved insulin sensitivity (r = -0.26, p = 0.045), and increased cardiorespiratory fitness (r = -0.29, p = 0.033).

Changes in Hb levels did not consistently correlate with changes in cardiometabolic markers during the intervention. However, reductions in Hb levels may relate to improved insulin sensitivity and fitness. Along cross-sectional correlations, this may be clinically relevant for individuals with metabolic syndrome. Further studies are merited to clarify the role of Hb levels in this high-risk group.