Anemia is also commonly seen in people with diabetes. As a complication of diabetes, anemia is common but easily overlooked, and if it is caught early, the problems that trigger it can be better managed.
Possible causes of anemia
Usually, anemia is due to a lack of enough red blood cells in the body. This can make patients more likely to develop certain diabetes complications, such as eye and nerve damage. Anemia can also further aggravate kidney, heart, and artery disease.
Diabetes often leads to kidney damage, and failing kidneys can cause anemia. Healthy kidneys know when the body needs new red blood cells. They release a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which signals the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. Damaged kidneys cannot release enough EPO to meet the body’s needs.
Often patients don’t realize they have kidney disease until the disease has been present for a long time. However, if you are determined to be anemic by testing, this may be an early sign of kidney problems.
People with diabetes are more likely to develop vasculitis, which may inhibit the bone marrow from getting the signals it needs to produce more red blood cells.
Some drugs used to treat diabetes can lower hemoglobin levels, which the body needs to transport oxygen through the blood. These drugs include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, fibrates, metformin, and thiazolidinediones. If you take one of these medications, you should talk to your doctor about the risk of anemia.
If a patient is on kidney dialysis, he or she may lose blood, which can also cause anemia.
Symptoms of anemia
Fatigue and weakness can occur when the brain and other organs do not get enough oxygen. Other symptoms of anemia that may occur include:
- shortness of breath;
- dizziness;
- Headache;
- Pale skin;
- chest pain;
- Cold hands and feet;
- hypothermia;
- Rapid heartbeat.
Blood tests
A complete blood count gives your doctor a better idea of what is happening with your blood. The test counts the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and checks for normal red blood cell size. It also tests the hemoglobin level and blood volume in the blood. If the hemoglobin level is too low, anemia may develop. The normal range for hemoglobin is 14 to 17.5 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) for men and 12.3 to 15.3 mg/dl for women. if the percentage of red blood cells in the blood is low, you may also be anemic.
After establishing a diagnosis of anemia, the next step is to find the cause of the anemia. Your doctor may test for the following causes:
- Iron deficiency;
- Renal failure;
- Vitamin deficiency;
- Internal bleeding;
- Bone marrow health.
Treatment of anemia
If the anemia is due to low iron levels in the body, iron-rich foods and supplements can be taken. For kidney dialysis patients, iron is best given intravenously.
If the kidneys are not producing enough EPO (the hormone that increases red blood cell production), a synthetic hormone may be needed for treatment. Receiving injections of the hormone once or twice a week, or at the time of dialysis, can raise hemoglobin in most patients, but may also increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. When receiving injections of this hormone, doctors need patients to monitor their condition closely.
If the anemia is severe, a blood transfusion may be needed.
If the anemia is secondary to kidney damage from high blood pressure and high blood sugar. You need to take the medications prescribed by your doctor for high blood pressure or high blood sugar on time.
How to prevent anemia?
The risk of developing anemia can be reduced in a number of ways. Most adult women need about 18 mg of iron a day. Men need about 8 mg of iron, and making sure you get enough iron from the foods you eat can prevent anemia.
Good sources of iron include:
- Iron-fortified breads and cereals;
- Beans and lentils;
- Oysters;
- animal liver;
- Green leafy vegetables, especially spinach;
- Tofu;
- Red meat;
- fish;
- Dried fruits, such as plums, raisins, and apricots.
The body absorbs iron better when you eat foods that contain vitamin C, such as fruits and vegetables. Coffee, tea and calcium, on the other hand, may reduce the body’s absorption of iron. In addition, a good diet and regular exercise can play a role in preventing anemia.