There are many things you need to know when living with diabetes, but can diabetes cause anemia? This guide explains the link between the two.

Can Diabetes Cause Anemia? A Helpful Guide

Can diabetes cause anemia?

What do diabetes and anemia have in common? How can diabetes affect your body so much that it causes you to have anemia? Are there any signs or symptoms of anemia related to diabetes?

Many people suffering from diabetes develop anemia due to the disease. It should be addressed immediately to prevent further complications.

Do you suspect that your diabetes has caused anemia? Luckily, you came to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about the correlation between diabetes and anemia.

Find out the answers to these questions in our helpful guide!

Contents

What Are the Causes of Anemia and Diabetes?

Anemia and diabetes are two conditions that can interact in complex ways. Diabetes can put people at higher risk of developing anemia and can cause anemia if blood glucose levels remain poorly managed for an extended period of time.

There are many causes of anemia, including:

  • chronic disease
  • poor nutrition
  • certain medications
  • genetics

Diabetes, also due to genetics, is a chronic condition that can lead to anemia if poorly managed. When there is too much glucose in the bloodstream, the cells cannot absorb enough iron, resulting in iron-deficiency anemia.

Other risk factors for anemia in people with diabetes include kidney disease, poor circulation, and high blood pressure. The best way to prevent anemia is to manage diabetes and keep your blood sugar under control. 

What Is the Link between Anemia and Diabetes

Diabetes and anemia have a complex relationship. Diabetes can cause anemia, especially in people with type 1 diabetes. This is due to high blood sugar levels, which can cause damage to the small blood vessels and lead to anemia.

Furthermore, people with diabetes often have chronic inflammatory conditions which can contribute to anemia. Poor nutrition can be another link between diabetes and anemia.

Poor nutrition is a common consequence of diabetes since dietary restrictions are often necessary to manage blood sugar levels. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes and Anemia?

Although diabetes does not directly cause anemia, the two can be linked through factors like poor dietary choices, insufficient care, and medications. Diabetes can make anemia worse and complicate diagnosis. Common signs and symptoms of diabetes and anemia include:

  • fatigue
  • lightheadedness
  • dizziness
  • rapid or irregular heartbeats
  • loss of appetite
  • shortness of breath
  • pale skin
  • irritability
  • unusual thirst
  • numbness
  • tingling in hands and fee
  • increased urination
  • weight loss
  • extreme hunger
  • blurred vision

Anemia caused by diabetes is usually a result of poor dietary choices, inadequate diabetes management, and side effects of diabetes medications.

Treatment of diabetes and anemia involves healthy and balanced eating, regular physical activity, medications to control blood sugar levels, and improving overall health.

Can Diabetes Cause Anemia If Not Treated?

So, can diabetes cause anemia? Yes, if not treated immediately. That is why it is essential to maintain glucose levels and regular doctor visits, those with diabetes should be aware of the symptoms of anemia in order to identify and manage any deficiencies quickly.

Take action now to understand this connection and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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