Individuals with Type 2 diabetes, or adult onset diabetes, are at increased risk for developing a variety of chronic conditions associated with organ damage. Because of their increased risk, diabetic follow-ups must screen for early signs of disease, in order to avoid more serious damage.
Diabetics can develop kidney disease, vision loss, peripheral neuropathy, high blood pressure, and liver disease.
A new study released this last October found that diabetics are also at increased risk for developing anemia, or a deficiency of iron and hemoglobin in the blood. The study was published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.
More than 500 Type 2 diabetics were enrolled in the study and followed for five years. At the begining of the study only 12 percent were anemic, but after five years that number more than doubled. The changes were very slow, but enough to prompt the authors to make recommendations about screening.
They suggested that all individuals with Type 2 diabetes be screened for anemia and their annual visit, and that treatment be initiated at first signs of declining hemoglobin levels.
As a side, those diabetics with known kidney damage had increased risk for developing anemia, and the anemia was less insiduous than in other participants.
As with any chronic conditions early detection and intervention improves the outcome dramatically.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on December 4, 2006 02:28 PM
