In a nutshell
This review examined the various factors which increase the risk of diabetics developing anemia.
Some background
Anemia is a condition in which the tissues in the body receive less oxygen than needed. This can be due to a reduction in the number of red blood cells (cells which transport oxygen in the blood). However, it may also be occur if a patient is deficient in iron (metal which binds to the red blood cells to carry the oxygen).
Anemia is quite frequent in patients with diabetes, although it is not known why. It is important to be able to identify patients with anemia early in order to prevent complications which occur as a result of being anemic. These complications may include severe fatigue and an abnormal heart rate.
Methods & findings
This review aimed to identify the causes of anemia in diabetics, in the hope of identifying certain factors which may indicate that a diabetic has anemia.
The cause of anemia in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is often linked to another autoimmune disease (disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its tissues). 5–10% of T1D patients also suffer from autoimmune gastritis (inflammation of stomach). These patients are more likely to have anemia. Pernicious anemia (deficiency of vitamin B12 which results in a lack of red blood cell growth) also occurs in 2.6–4% of diabetics. Other autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease (inflammation of the intestines due to reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat) and hypothyroidism (lack of functioning thyroid) are associated with anemia in diabetics.
32% of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have anemia. Insulin (hormone that lowers blood glucose levels) is needed for the growth of red blood cells. However, the lack of insulin action in T2D patients may result in anemia. Drugs such as metformin (Glucophage) are known to cause anemia by impairing vitamin B12 absorption in the intestines.
Chronic high blood glucose (sugar) levels in diabetic patients can result in various complications, including kidney disease. Loss of kidney function in diabetics may reduce the production of red blood cells and therefore result in anemia.
The bottom line
This review suggested that diabetics should be monitored for the presence of anemia. The authors suggest that the vitamin B12 levels in diabetics should be checked at diagnosis or upon beginning treatment. Vitamin B12 levels should then be monitored every few years.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the tests which can be offered to diagnose anemia.
Published By :
Diabetes & Metabolism
Date :
Jul 17, 2014
