EPO and chronic kidney disease: 14 IV therapy also demonstrates superior iron replenishment, with significant increases in ferritin levels (mean difference of 196.81) and transferrin saturation.14,15 While oral iron is more cost-effective and associated with fewer risks like hypotension, its higher incidence of gastrointestinal side effects 14 and limited efficacy in advanced CKD stages make IV iron a preferable choice for effective anemia management in diabetic patients with CKD receiving erythropoietin.