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Low Haemoglobin
My mother is 60 years old and her Haemoglobin level is 6.1. please suggest what needs to be done. She has diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension.
Answers (21)
A hemoglobin of 6.1 g/dL is severely low and needs urgent medical attention â this is not something that can be managed with diet or home remedies alone. Normal hemoglobin for a woman is 12-16 g/dL, so at 6.1 she is at less than half the required level. In a 60-year-old woman with diabetes and hypertension, severe anemia puts extra strain on the heart and increases the risk of heart attack and organ damage. At this level, a blood transfusion may be required. The cause of such severe anemia in a diabetic hypertensive woman is most likely one or more of: iron deficiency (often from a slow GI bleed or poor absorption), Vitamin B12 deficiency (very common in diabetics on metformin, which depletes B12), or anemia of chronic kidney disease (diabetic patients often develop kidney disease that reduces red blood cell production).
Next Steps
Please take her to a hospital today â do not delay. She needs an urgent CBC with peripheral smear, serum iron and ferritin, Vitamin B12, kidney function tests (creatinine, urea), reticulocyte count, and a stool occult blood test. She may need a blood transfusion or IV iron depending on the evaluation. If she is experiencing breathlessness, chest pain, extreme weakness, or is unable to walk â go to the emergency room immediately. Once the cause is known, long-term treatment (iron infusion, B12 injections, or EPO injections for CKD-related anemia) can be started. Please consult me directly on Practo for a detailed evaluation.
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She needs further tests serum iron profile and vitamin b 12 level, renal function tests.Ideally she should be admitted in the hospital for appropriate investigation and treatment
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Please share details of her medical history, cbc report. Serum vit b12 levels. Reason of her anemia should be investigated. Give her iron supplements, vit c supplements, vit b12, supplements.
Give her more of fresh green leafy vegetables, beetroot, pumpkin, fruits like pomegranate, apple.
Repeat Haemoglobin after 6 weeks.
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Can you tell me which drugs is she taking... Because few diabetes drugs can reduce hemoglobin level.... If you need full assistance contact us
Dr. Kshitiz joshi
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