The 8.5 is most likely referring to your hemoglobin level.  Hemoglobin is the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen, which is why people often feel tired and even short of breath when they are anemic.  If you became anemic very gradually or have been anemic for a while, your body may have gotten used to it so you do not feel so tired and run down.  If you experience significant blood loss (even from a very heavy period) your anemia would be more acute than chronic and you would probably experience symptoms like feeling tired, dizzy or lightheaded when you first stand up, low energy,  and want to sleep a lot.  Taking iron may help.  When I was anemic I could not tolerate iron even though I took  iron labeled "no gastric distress".  It usually causes constipation but for me it caused diarrhea.  So, I started eating more meat - beef, chicken, pork, and lots of dark greens like romaine lettuce and spinach.  Within a month I felt a lot better.  I am perimenopausal and had a period that lasted a month which was the cause for my anemia.  If you have heavy periods every month that may be causing your anemia.  But, remember, diabetes alone afffects all your body systems.  So the better control your blood sugars are the better your body can function and stay healthy.