Advice on anaemia

[Beck Mercer]

hi. I was dx jan this year. Recently had HbA1c after 3 months and gone from 59 to 50, and cholesterol is down to 3.8. All good. Except. I’ve been anaemic for a couple of years, but docs are concerned that since bloods in Jan, my results have gone from 110 to 100 in 3 months. Sending me for an endoscopy as he said it’s too much to lose without ‘seeing’ it somewhere. Eg heavy periods etc.
My question is, could this be related to the diabetes in some way? Anybody been through similar?

 

[CathyB]

Can’t offer any help here Beck but hope you get some answers soon 😳

 

[Beck Mercer]

Thanks Cathy x

 

[Amigo]

hi. I was dx jan this year. Recently had HbA1c after 3 months and gone from 59 to 50, and cholesterol is down to 3.8. All good. Except. I’ve been anaemic for a couple of years, but docs are concerned that since bloods in Jan, my results have gone from 110 to 100 in 3 months. Sending me for an endoscopy as he said it’s too much to lose without ‘seeing’ it somewhere. Eg heavy periods etc.
My question is, could this be related to the diabetes in some way? Anybody been through similar?

Hi Beck Mercer, both these articles explain anaemia really well and in the second one, it’s possible relation to diabetes.


https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/


https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/general-health-issues/anemia/


A low RBC count could also indicate a vitamin B6, B12 or folate deficiency. It may also signify internal bleeding, kidney disease or malnutrition (where a person's diet doesn't contain enough nutrients to meet their body's needs). Metformin can deplete B12.


I wonder if you are getting sufficient nutrients and may have a B6 or B12 deficiency? Usually, heavy menstrual bleeding can account for it.


The Hba1c test can be affected by low Haemoglobin levels and give slightly lower results but I’m sure your doctor has factored that in. Hope you get some answers soon. Often this can easily be overcome with the right supplements and appropriate diet. It’s not normally associated as a natural consequence of diabetes however but Metformin can be the culprit.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Great post by @Amigo. If your Drs are concerned that anaemia might affect the reliability of your HbA1c, they could opt to measure fructosamine instead I think.

 

[Shiv Gaffney]

I have pernicious anemia and have been told it is linked to diabetes (I'm T1) and other autoimmune conditions I have. I see you are on Metforim/Glucophage as I am and as Amigo said this can result in B12 deficiency. I would get your doctor to test for B12 levels as well. I get injections for B12 (every week initially but now only every three months or as required) and an iron infusion every six months (or again as required depending on blood results). Good idea re: endoscopy as the anemia could be related to depletion of certain cells in your stomach. Also maybe get to a see a dietitian in your local clinic/surgery. Unfortunately I can't absorb iron and that is why I am on infusions; if it can be sorted by diet much better. Let us know how you get on and good luck.🙂

 

[Beck Mercer]

Thanks for both of the links. 2nd was v interesting, I’ve been a coeliac for 8 years but it’s managed well so should be no reason for nutrient deficiency. Been given iron tabs 3 times a day to see if it helps n have another blood test in 2 weeks so will see what that brings.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/


https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/general-health-issues/anemia/
¥ this link was really informative. Thanks.

A low RBC count could also indicate a vitamin B6, B12 or folate deficiency. It may also signify internal bleeding, kidney disease or malnutrition (where a person's diet doesn't contain enough nutrients to meet their body's needs). Metformin can deplete B12.


I wonder if you are getting sufficient nutrients and may have a B6 or B12 deficiency? Usually, heavy menstrual bleeding can account for it.


The Hba1c test can be affected by low Haemoglobin levels and give slightly lower results but I’m sure your doctor has factored that in. Hope you get some answers soon. Often this can easily be overcome with the right supplements and appropriate diet. It’s not normally associated as a natural consequence of diabetes however but Metformin can be the culprit.[/QUOTE]

Not sure how clued up the doc is as I had to ask for my results on blood levels, then he got a bit panicky when he saw my results. Think I will book a face2face appt for results of next test lol

 

[Beck Mercer]

Thanks for you reply, yes I have coeliac duseaseand have had my b12 tested recently and nobody said it was low. But I will follow this up on next tests 🙂.