Being an anemic patient, I am a bit skeptical about my bg testing. I am wondering how accurate it can be, really. If I am low on blood, how can the machine accurately measure my blood glucose? Wouldn't the results be skewed because of lack of red blood cells? This would be an issue with the A1c they draw every few months as well. I don't think it would be a good result or accurate. I heard that glucose binds to the rbcs so that is how the blood glucose is measured. So what if I am testing normal but really I am having hyperglycemia? Does anyone know about this stuff?
It shouldn’t have much to do with your blood glucose levels. As far as I can tell, the glucose molecules in your blood would be measured no matter how many red blood cells were present. So I would just say that being anemic shouldn’t have any bearing on your blood sugar results. If you are getting normal readings, then they should be normal. It should be the same way with your A1c lab result. It should be fairly accurate regardless if you are anemic or not. Are you treating your anemia with iron supplements or other means? If you are taking iron, be sure to take it with citrus like orange juice so that it absorbs better. You will have black, tarry stools from taking iron supplements so you will need to be aware of this. You may also become constipated with taking them. Laxatives like stool softeners will help with this; adding fiber to your diet is a good way to relieve constipation and also be sure you drink an adequate amount of fluids.
All and all, stay with the diet your doctor recommends and be compliant with your anemia treatment.