Anemia and Diabetic Nephropathy

Abstract

Although anemia is a common problem in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), it is only in the last decade that an appreciation of its potential impact in patients with diabetes has emerged (1,2). The prevalence of anemia in patients with diabetes is twice that seen in patients with nondiabetic renal disease and similar renal function. Approximately one in five patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes have hemoglobin (Hb) levels below the gender-specific normal range. Importantly, it is patients with vascular complications that are both at increased risk for anemia, and are most likely to suffer its adverse consequences.