Anemia and Diabetes

Anemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries. It is more common in diabetic patients due to the presence of multiple factors like nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, concomitant autoimmune diseases and kidney diseases. Several studies have reported that the prevalence of anemia varying from 9 to 25% in diabetic populations. Diabetic patients, many of whom already have an impaired quality of life; anemia constitutes an unwelcome additional burden for them. Studies indicate that low Hb levels in such patients may increase risk for progression of nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy and cardiovascular diseases. Unrecognized and untreated anemia among diabetes can seriously affect their health and well-being. Early correction of anemia has the potential to prevent or reverse the complications. However, several studies in Bangladesh revealed an increasing trend of anemia among general population. But there is lack of appropriate studies on the prevalence of anemia among diabetic patients.Therefore the objective of the study was to determine the prevalence, types and determinants of anemia among Bangladeshi type 2 diabetic population.