Abstract :
Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a major growing health issue worldwide. Role of micronutrients is not well established. Studies have suggested that magnesium, chromium, calcium and iron have a possible role in Insulin Resistance or Diabetes.
Objectives: To study the levels of Serum Ferritin, Total Iron Binding Capacity, Iron and Hemoglobin in Type 2 diabetes patient and to observe for any statistically significant relationship exists between iron status and diabetes mellitus.
Materials & Methods: A total of 120 subjects were included in this study (60 with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 60 normal subjects). Fasting plasma glucose was done on blood samples obtained after overnight fasting and 2-hour post-prandial plasma glucose was also done along with iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), Ferritin and hemoglobin.
Results: The level of serum Ferritin which is considered as sensitive marker of iron status is significantly higher in diabetic group. The other parameters like Hemoglobin, TIBC and Iron do not show any positive correlation.
Conclusion: We can conclude that serum Ferritin can be considered as sensitive marker of iron status in diabetic group. Serum Ferritin can be assessed in non-diabetic first-degree relatives of diabetic people for identifying the risk. Serum Ferritin can also be correlated with serum insulin and C – Peptide levels. There is no significant relationship between hemoglobin, TIBC, serum iron and diabetes mellitus. Excess tissue iron will increase the production of free radicals which in turn amplifies the steps involved in inflammatory lesion. Even though the level is not significant, serum iron and TIBC may be monitored at regular intervals in those with diabetes mellitus so that appropriate measures can be taken.
Keyword :
Serum Ferritin, TIBC, Serum iron, type 2 diabetes mellitus, fasting and post prandial plasma glucose.