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Overview of hemoglobin variants that can affect A1C test results, and how to ensure your diabetes is well controlled if you have one of these variants.

Aplastic anemia occurs because of damage to stem cells inside bone marrow, which is the sponge-like tissue within your bones. Many diseases and conditions can damage the stem cells in bone marrow. As a result, the bone marrow makes fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Fanconi anemia is an inherited disease caused by mutations in certain genes, known as FA genes. These genes provide instructions to help the body repair certain types of DNA damage. The cells of healthy people often repair DNA damage, but cells affected by Fanconi anemia cannot make these repairs. In people who have Fanconi anemia, certain cells may die or stop working properly.

Red blood cells develop in the bone marrow, which is the sponge-like tissue inside your bones. Your body normally destroys old or faulty red blood cells in the spleen or other parts of your body through a process called hemolysis. Hemolytic anemia occurs when you have a low number of red blood cells due to too much hemolysis in the body.

Find out what riboflavin is and what it does in your body, what foods provide it, and about riboflavin supplements.

Find out what riboflavin is and what it does in your body, what foods provide it, and about riboflavin supplements.

After being diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia, it is important to follow your treatment plan, such as taking prescribed iron supplements. You should monitor your condition for new or worsening symptoms. Your doctor may want to repeat blood tests to check that your anemia is improving.

Treatment for iron-deficiency anemia will depend on its cause and severity. Treatments may include iron supplements, red blood cell transfusions, changes in your eating pattern, or procedures like endoscopy to stop bleeding.

To diagnose iron-deficiency anemia, your doctor may do a physical exam, or order blood tests or other diagnostic tests. Blood tests will show a low hemoglobin level and low level of iron in your blood.

Iron-deficiency anemia can range from mild to severe. People with mild or moderate iron-deficiency anemia may not have any signs or symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include pale skin, fatigue and shortness of breath. Complications of iron-deficiency anemia include heart problems such as arrhythmias and depression.