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Anaemia and diabetes

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Clo

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Type 1
Hi had blood test and been told I was anaemic (level is 9 but should be around 12). So been put on iron tablets (ferrous sulphate they are called). Was just wondering if anyone else in similar boat and just wondered if/ how it may affect diabetes. Or any useful tips from someone who knows a bit more about it. I don't eat meat so that is probably the reason I am anaemic. Thanks guys 🙂
 
Actually, not eating meat isn't a reason for anaemia, you can get iron more easily from other sources. Spinach for instance is excellent for it, as are most green, leafy veggies. Bananas too, but there's the sugar issue with them.

I've been anaemic all my life and take supplements as necessary but prefer, when I can, to rely on the veggies. It does seem to affect my diabetes a bit, but normally only when I'm more anaemic than usual and then I'm more likely to have hypos. I've never gone the other way with the anaemia so I don't know what that might do.

The only issue I have with iron supplements is they do tend to bind me up a bit so I end up having to take a mild laxative as well.
 
Thanks, I do eat loads of veg but not usually the green ones, will have to swap some of them in. Apparently whole meal bread and apricots ? Yes I have heard the side affects of the supplements, I am not much looking forward to :( Mynsugars seem to be quite high at the moment, and have been for a few months, so not sure whether the anaemia has caused it or not. Guess will try tablets and diet change and see what happens. Thanks
 
9 is not too bad a number. At my worst I was down at 4 😱. That took a week in hospital and numerous transfusions to get my blood back to 9. I was taken off the iron at the beginning of this year. I told my GP that if I came off the iron I would get anaemic again but he doesn't think so. I know it won't be long before they put me back on the iron. I need to go for a review fairly soon I'm sure they'll see the difference then in my numbers too. I've heard broccoli and spinach are good sources of iron as well so I eat lots of them.
 
My idea is probably pretty gross and non carnivores look away now!

An old friend when at school was permanently aneamic & she had to "eat" raw liver!!!!!!!!

Wasn't too bad until she got bored & started chucking it round the classroom. I can't handle the stuff in it's raw state now.

Hope the iron tabs work for you. My old dad was on them for years he was also type 2. He swore that an apple a day helped keep him regular.

Regards
Lynne
 
Having Anaemia may affect your Hba1c by giving a falsely low reading. I understand that if anaemia is present then the patient should have a fructosamine test instead of an Hba1c. http://www.diabetes.org.uk/HbA1c

Hope things improve for you soon 🙂
 
I'm anaemic as well. Dont think mine is due to diabetes though could be wrong.

Sorry guys but mine are due to girlie problems. Had a mirena coil fitted which they said would put a stop to them but it hasnt. May as well not have bothered. Friends say I should go back to docs but dont want a hysterectomy so not gonna bother. I'm 53 so shouldnt have to put up with it much longer.

I'm taking ferrous sulphate 250mg tablets twice a day but happy to say I dont have trouble with going to the loo.
 
They don't do hysterectomies at the drop of a hat these days!

Daughter has just had an ablation for exactly that prob. Takes half an hour with a local normally! She went in at 1.30 on Monday, S-I-L said she was last on the list, teatime she rang us when they were on their way home. And I should add she had to have a GA because of all the adhesions from her 3 Ceasarians.

Get you back to the docs!
 
Thanks guys. The hba1c thing is interesting. Just had latest results was just above 8 which is fine, but i was expecting to be ,much higher as for the last four months my sugars are more in the teens than not. Interesting might check that out.
 
You should check it out Clo, seriously.
 
trophywench said:
They don't do hysterectomies at the drop of a hat these days!

Daughter has just had an ablation for exactly that prob. Takes half an hour with a local normally! She went in at 1.30 on Monday, S-I-L said she was last on the list, teatime she rang us when they were on their way home. And I should add she had to have a GA because of all the adhesions from her 3 Ceasarians.

Get you back to the docs!
Click to expand...

Will see the doc at my next diabetic checkup which should be about January time - so will speak to him then. Thanks for your reply though, will ask about that treatment
 
I have anaemia and am also vegetarian. I had a series of about 6 B12 injections over the course of 2 weeks to build up my levels then have a single injection as and when my level starts to fall.

I was told it was unlikely to be diet related as lots of foods are fortified with vitamins these days although I do have extra spinach just to make sure! I haven't noticed any change in my diabetes from being anaemic.
 
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