Diabetes can make your "bold" doctors develop deep worry lines on their "experienced" foreheads. Surgeons may literally fear to conduct some surgeries on you if you have been diagnosed with a high blood glucose level. It seems as if they will give more importance to diabetes compared to any other diseases like cancer or heart problems, which have earned the worldwide recognition for being the "leading killers". But diabetes remains as a "sly" torturer, which may invite a host of other serious issues or may add complications to the already existing conditions. Eye health, dental health, skin health and heart health are not the only areas affected by diabetes. High blood sugar can even assume the role of a vampire and can suck blood out of your body. In simple terms, high blood sugar can cause anemia.
The Relation between Diabetes and Anemia
- Uncontrolled blood glucose affects the kidneys (diabetic neuropathy). As a result of this, the kidneys may not produce enough erythropoietin, a hormone that controls the production of red blood cells. One of the main functions of red blood cells is to carry oxygen and so fewer the number of red blood cells will mean lesser oxygen supplied to the body organs. And this leads to anemia.
- When diabetes affects the nerve, it may hamper the production of erythropoietin in response to anemia.
- People suffering from diabetes often have nutritional deficiencies and this results in anemia. People with type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of contracting autoimmune disorders like celiac disease and pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency) that cause low blood counts.
- Medication is also one of the causes of anemia. The medication used in the treatment of diabetes and hypertension may increase the risk of anemia.
The Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of anemia is very difficult in diabetes. The typical anemia symptoms like feeling weak and becoming tired easily coincide with that of diabetes. The other anemia symptoms include:
- Skin paleness
- Chest pain
- Irritability
- Numbness and coldness in the hands and feet.
- Fast heartbeat
- Shortness of breath with activity
- Headache
Consequences of Untreated Anemia in Diabetes
Various studies have shown that untreated anemia along with diabetes may increase the chances of contracting eye diseases, heart diseases and even stroke. The death rate has been found to be high in individuals suffering from diabetes as well as anemia.
The Treatment
Fortunately, anemia can be treated if detected early. The treatment will vary depending on the cause of anemia. Iron and multivitamin supplementation may be recommended. Treating anemia at an early stage will slow the development of some of the complications of diabetes including damage to the nerves, eyes and the kidneys. It may also decrease the rate of hospital admissions. However, anemia associated with kidney disease may require treatment with drugs called erythropoiesis - the agents which stimulate red blood cell production.
Tips to Prevent Anemia in Diabetes
- Controlling Blood Sugar Levels: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels helps in controlling diabetes. This can be done by the use of a glucometer at home. Checking blood sugar levels twice daily will help in preventing severe complications of diabetes.
- Controlling Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is an important risk factor which triggers many diabetes complications. The blood pressure should not go above 130/80 mmHg. Having a normal blood pressure is important in managing diabetes. Some other sensible steps will include eating a diet low in salt, drinking alcohol in moderation, maintaining weight and staying physically active.
- Eating a Diet Rich in Iron: For people suffering from anemia, eating a diet rich in iron is very important. Easily available food sources for a diabetic are spinach, cooked dry beans, apricots, prunes, iron fortified whole grains and tuna fish. Iron supplements can satisfy the increased demand of iron in the body.
- Having Plenty of Vitamin C Rich Foods: For better absorption of iron, vitamin C intake can be increased to help the body absorb the iron from the food. Available sources are oranges, sprouts, tomatoes, cabbage and parsley.
- Avoiding Caffeine: Caffeine blocks the absorption of iron in the body. Compounds like polyphenols which are found in many beverages interfere with iron absorption especially from foods like beans and green leafy vegetables. Studies have found that caffeine makes it hard for diabetics to control blood sugar levels.
Who is finally to be blamed for diabetes? Someone will accuse their ancestors; some will put the blame on stress and tension while some will repent on a past overindulgence on desserts, cookies, chocolates and candies. There may be several excuses which you may keep on counting. And side by side, there are many "way-outs" too- early detection, follow-ups, abiding by the doctor's guidelines and sticking to a "conservative" lifestyle may all help to manage diabetes and to keep away the "invited guests".
