Diabetes is an ever-increasing problem in the United States and in many industrialized countries. The symptoms of anemia in diabetics can be difficult to sort through, because they so often appear as regular ongoing symptoms of the illness itself. One of the significant problems with advanced diabetes is the development of anemia and it often goes undiagnosed. According to the National Anemia Action Council, it affects approximately 25 percent of diabetics. Kidney and nerve involvement as a result of diabetes can leave people subject to anemia and the complications that occur with the ailment.

Weakness

The National Anemia Action Council says the symptoms of anemia in diabetics are often difficult to separate from the basic symptoms of diabetes. One symptom characteristic of both ailments is muscle weakness. Weakness can take the form of difficulty in exercising, walking or engaging in other physical activities. Very often, diabetics feel weak much of the time.

Tiredness/Exhaustion

Another common symptom of anemia is tiredness and exhaustion. Diabetics with symptoms of anemia frequently feel as if they become tired and easily exhausted at the slightest activity. Typical daily activities of playing with children and regular work tasks can require extra rest. However, these same activities and responses can be attributed to anemia.

Coldness in Hands and Feet

Circulation problems are frequently a problem for individuals with diabetes. The National Anemia Action Council states that feelings of having cold hands and/or feet can be a signal of symptoms of anemia in diabetics. One way in which a doctor can discern if these feelings are attributable to circulation problems or anemia is by checking pulses in the feet. However, this is also a symptom of diabetic neuropathy, which can leave the feet and hands feeling like they are burning, tingling and cold.

Headache

Headaches can be attributed to a wide number of health issues, including high blood pressure, exhaustion, low blood sugar and other ailments. Headaches can be a symptom of anemia in diabetics. Anemia is caused when red blood cells are not being produced in high enough quantities in the bone marrow. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the heart and oxygenate the entire body. Anemia headaches can be the result of the brain not getting enough oxygen from red blood cells in the surrounding blood vessels.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath can be of particular concern as a symptom of anemia in diabetics because very often major organ systems such as the heart, lungs and kidneys are affected. Individuals with type 2 diabetes frequently struggle with their weight and may become winded or feel shortness of breath from almost any activity. For doctors trying to sort out what is weight and diabetes-related versus what might be related to anemia can be difficult. Shortness of breath, in combination with the wide range of other symptoms of anemia, should be of concern to doctors treating diabetic patients.

 Photo Credit: cohdra @ Morguefiles.com