Anemia

Anemia is not a disease; it is a symptom of various diseases.
Anemia is a reduction in the number of circulating red blood cells. It esists when hemoglobin content is less than that required to provide the oxygen demands of the body. Anemia can strain and damage organs.

If the onset of anemia is slow, the body may adjust so well that there will be no functional impairment.

Anemia may result from excessive blood loss, excessive blood cell destruction, or decreased blood cell formation.

There are several types of anemia. It is very important to know the type of anemia and the cause so the doctor can treat the disease.

The most common types of anemia are:

• Iron Deficiency. Caused by lack of absorption intake or blood loss.
• Aplastic. Occurs when the body stops making new red blood cells, rare but very serious.
• Hemolytic. Happens when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced.
• Vitamin Deficiency. Poor nutrition, or impaired vitamin absorption causes this type.
• Pernicious. With this, B12 intake is okay, but the body cannot process it correctly.
• Fragile Red Cell. Some people inherit abnormal red blood cells that die earlier than normal, like in sickle cell or thalassemia.
• There are many other types of anemia that are less common.

Is there a relationship between diabetes and anemia? 25% of Americans with diabetes also have anemia. The longer you have diabetes increases the risk of having anemia. Anemia is more frequent in diabetics who have poorly controlled glucose, and renal insufficiency.

How do you know if you are anemic? A simple blood test done during a doctor visit, called a complete blood count or CBC, is used to check for anemia.

If you have anemia, your blood glucose (sugar) tests may not be accurate. Low hematocrit levels can falsely increase glucose measurements, leading to monitor test results as much as 20% too high. Healthcare providers and patients need to be aware of this combination and consider it when responding to glucose levels, especially when treating patients on insulin. Low hematocrit is a common side effect of drug therapies like metformin. A lot of type 2 diabetics take this drug.

Symptoms of Anemia

• Paleness of skin
• Fingernail beds
• Weakness
• Vertigo (dizziness)
• Headaches
• Sore tongue
• Drossiness
• General malaise (discomfort - often a sign of infection)
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
• Palpitation (rapid, throbbing or fluttering of the heart)
• Slight fever

You can do several things to help and/or delay anemia and help you're diabetes. Keep your blood sugar at target level. Maintain the blood pressure set by your doctor. Control your lipids and work with your doctor to manage your triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Adjust your diet to include foods rich in iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 is helpful.