Anemia Common Among Diabetics
Anemia is common in patients with diabetes, especially
in those with albuminuria or reduced renal function,
(23%) had unrecognized anemia.
"
Anemia is common in diabetes, potentially contributing
to the pathogenesis of diabetes complications," Dr.
Merlin C. Thomas, of Baker Medical Research Institute,
Melbourne, Australia, and colleagues note. In a cross-sectional
study of 820 diabetic patients, they examined the
prevalence and independent predictors of anemia.
Over a 2-year period, the researchers obtained
a full blood count and routine blood and urine
tests.
They used multiple and logistic regression analyses
to determine predictors of the most recent Hb
concentration and anemia.
The investigators report that 190 patients (23%)
had unrecognized anemia. "This prevalence is
two to three times higher than for patients with
comparable renal impairment and iron stores in the
general population," Dr. Thomas and colleagues
explain.
Transferrin saturation, glomerular filtration
rate, sex, albumin excretion rate, and HbA1c
level independently
predicted Hb levels (all p < 0.0001). Compared
with normoalbuminuric patients with preserved renal
function, those with microalbuminuria and those with
macroalbuminuria were more likely to have anemia
(odds ratio 2.3 and 10.1, respectively).
"
This study demonstrates that anemia is an early and
common complication of diabetes," the researchers
conclude. In their study population, strong predictors
of anemia included a glomerular filtration rate of
less than 60 mL/min and macroalbuminuria. Diabetes
Care 2003;26:1164-1169.
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FOOD FACT:
In 1961 Bread, Chips or other pre meal foods were
charged for or only given free 13% of the time.
In 2003 Bread, Chips or other pre meal foods are
given free 66% of the time.
