Symptoms of Anaemia in Diabetics

Diabetes is a lifelong problem that keeps increasing in the industrialised countries. The symptoms of diabetes may be difficult to pick initially, but surface in the later stages. One of the most significant problems that surface in the advanced stages of the disease includes the development of anaemia, which often goes undiagnosed. As per the studies done by the National Anaemia Action Council, anaemia affects about 25 percent of diabetics all around the world. Here are some of the symptoms of anaemia in diabetics:

Tiredness/exhaustion

Tiredness or exhaustion are two of the common symptoms of anaemia. Diabetics, who develop the symptoms of anaemia, feel exhausted or tired at the slightest activity. Some of the typical every-day activities such as playing with children, regular work tasks etc may get the diabetic panting for breath within a few seconds of the activity. Although, these symptoms are typical of diabetes, they may be attributed to anaemia for those already suffering from anaemia.

Weakness

The National Anaemia Action Council says that it is difficult to disseminate the symptoms of anaemia from those of diabetes. One symptom that is characteristic of both the ailments is weakness. Weakness, here, refers to the difficulty in walking, exercising or engaging in physical exercises of any kind. Diabetics, mostly, feel weak almost throughout the day.

Cold feet and hands

Proper blood circulation is a common problem for diabetics. The National Anaemia Action Council says that if an individual senses cold hands and feet, he or she may be anaemic. One of the ways in which a doctor can diagnose whether the coldness is associated with anaemia or diabetes is by checking the pulses in the feet. This may also be a symptom of diabetic neuropathy.

Headache

Headaches can be associated to a variety of health problems such as exhaustion, high blood pressure, low blood sugar and other ailments. Headache due to anaemia may be because of oxygen not reaching the brain. Anaemia occurs when the body does not produce enough red blood cells, which carry oxygen to different parts of the body.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is a common symptom of anaemia in diabetics as diabetes effects different organs such as lungs, heart and kidneys. As is obvious, the damaged organs hinder the effective functioning of the body.

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