My grandma has been diabetic for something like 10 years...within the past couple years she has been taking iron pills. She just went to the doctor yesterday and he wants her to get injections for her low iron. It's something that starts with a P but I can't remember what. Is the low iron because of the diabetes? Does anyone else have this? Grandma has taken the injections before and it didn't do any good. They cost something like $200 a shot and she has to pay $50 herself....this comes out to $200 a month out of pocket shes paying and she really can't afford this. They told her if she doesn't get these injections, she will end up needing blood transfusions.
If someone has some insight here I'd really appreciate it. Grandma would too!
Thanks!
Sara

I suspect you are talking about Procrit. From what I have heard, that definitely helps anemia. I've never heard of diabetes directly causing anemia, but it sounds like her's is pretty severe. I'm sorry I can't offer more advice. Maybe get in contact with Ortho Biotech, the company that makes Procrit, and see if they have any patient assistance programs?

Procrit is right. Her doctor told her that this is 'caused by diabetes' but she didn't know how true that was. Thanks for your advice...I'll definitely try and get in touch with them. She bruises very easy. If she were to rub her arm along the corner of a wall or something, the bruise is awful. It looks like her skin is torn in the under layers, its horrible to see.

My grandmother has low iron levels too (anemic) and is a insulin dependant diabetic. Our GP told us this definitely isn't caused by diabetes but that some elderly people do become Anemic over time. But in my Grans case, hers is caused by kidneys problems and one of the symptoms is Anemia.

I would ask the doctor to do more tests. Your Gran shouldn't be severely anemic unless she is losing blood from somewhere. Is she passing bits of blood in her motions? My Gran does this when she strains herself (think she tears the skin or something) and this adds to her low iron level. Definitely ask the doctor for some tests and dont let him fob you off with it being caused by Diabetes. Diabetes can cause many things but I have never heard it directly casing Anemia. Good luck x

Grandma has a colostomy (sp) so there is no straining to cause bleeding. I think she sees a doctor about her kidneys but I'm not sure what that is about. I'm not her caregiver, but I was visiting yesterday and she mentioned this. I just wanted to get a little information, try and find something that might help her. I sent an email to Ortho Biotech to find out if they have an assistance program. If I don't hear back soon, I'll make a phone call.

Diabetes can cause kidnery damage, and kidney damage an cause low iron and anemia. It is possible that is what her doc is talking about. Has she done a 24 hour urine test with blood work to check her kidney function?

Cora

That's what i meant Corvah, lol. I hope your Gran is better soon x