You May Be at Risk for Anemia

Kidney disease increases your chances of developing anemia. Here’s how to avoid the complications.

If you have diabetes, you’re at risk for kidney disease and therefore, anemia, too. How can you help prevent both? Quarterly blood tests and A1Cs prescribed by your doctor can detect the diseases early and help reduce your risk of developing serious complications.

Your kidneys don’t have to be failing to develop anemia, a low blood-cell count that can make you fatigued and short of breath and give you chest pain. “When your kidneys are working below 60 percent of their ability, it can cause anemia,” says kidney specialist (nephrologist) Nelson Kopyt, D.O., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.

What do kidneys have to do with anemia? Your kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoetin (ee-reth-ro-po-EAT-in), which helps your body produce red blood cells. “When your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, they can’t make as much of this hormone,” says endocrinologist Gretchen Perilli, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Less erythropoetin means fewer red blood cells and possibly anemia.”

People with type 1 diabetes seem to be less affected by anemia than people with type 2, Perilli says. “Because type 2 diabetes often goes undiagnosed for many years, kidney damage may be further along than in people with type 1. People with type 2 should have their kidneys checked when they’re first diagnosed, and those with type 1 every five years after diagnosis.”

What else can you do to help keep your kidneys healthy and prevent anemia?

• Keep your blood pressure at or below 130/80. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys and can eventually destroy them.
• Make sure your A1c is 6.5 percent or below.
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. You may want to talk to a registered dietitian to see if you’re getting the nutrients you need.
   

Need a family physician or endocrinologist to help you manage your diabetes? Call 610-402-CARE.

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