Anaemia in diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT

Eighty five patients with diabetes mellitus and 25 normal controls were studied clinically together with evaluation of their red cell values, bone marrow picture, serum iron and liver function tests. Normochromic normocytic anaemia was found to be a characterstic feature of diabetics having chronic complications or infections. Macrocytic normochromic anaemia was present in diabetics having ketoacidosis. Possible underlying mechanisms for the present anaemia was discussed. In non complicated diabetics anaemia was not present and serum iron was within normal limits. Conclusion was reached that the presence of anaemia in a diabetic patient is a sign of diabetic complications