Anemia
Neglected in People with Diabetes
Anemia
affects a significant proportion of people with diabetes and is a key
indicator of early kidney disease.
However,
it is only beginning to attract the attention of diabetologists and
nephrologists, say European researchers.
The
NOP survey results, announced at the 38th European Association for the
Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Budapest, show that although more than 85
per cent of people with diabetes are tested for eye problems, high
blood pressure and cholesterol levels, only 1 per cent are tested for
anemia.
"Only
recently has it become clear that anemia may be an important component
of diabetic nephropathy and that it may be more severe and occur at a
much earlier stage of the disease than has been previously
appreciated," said Dr Stephen Thomas, consultant diabetologist at
King's College Hospital, London.
A
total of 1,054 people with diabetes were interviewed by telephone. The
survey found that up to 15 per cent had experienced anemia, yet only 3
per cent knew that anemia could be related to kidney disease.
Furthermore, although nearly half of those with anemia took time off
work due to tiredness, only 4 per cent believed it could be due to
anemia.
The
general perspective on quality of life was positive, however, with 69
per cent saying their health was generally good, although 90 per cent
agreed that having diabetes was "a hassle".
Commenting
on the survey, Professor Norbert Lameire, from the Department of
Nephrology, University Hospital in Ghent, Belgium, said that there was
a "lack of awareness" in both patients and physicians.
"The
detrimental effects of anemia begin well before kidney function
deteriorates to the point of requiring dialysis," he said.
"Early referral of patients with kidney disease is therefore
vital if we are to reduce the burden of this condition."
According to Dr Donal O'Donoghue of Hope Hospital in Salford, the UK,
tests for anemia are now easy to perform and treatment no longer
involves blood transfusions. He said that the availability of
erythropoetin treatments, which stimulate bone marrow cells to produce
mature red blood cells, means that people can now administer their own
treatment without the need for hospital visit.
Source:
38th EASD Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of
Diabetes, Budapest, September 1-5, 2002
================================
FACT
There
will be a 42% increase, from 51 to 72 million, in the developed
countries and a 170% increase, from 84 to 228 million, in the
developing countries. Thus, by the year 2025, >75% of people with
diabetes will reside in developing countries, as compared with 62% in
1995.
Diabetes Care 1998; 21: 1414-31
