Serum Iron Profile in Type 2 Diabetes, A Role Beyond Anemic Marker!

Abstract

Background: There are evidences of controversial study findings that iron profile has a significant role in maintenance of glycemic status. This study has therefore been done to estimate the markers of iron in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus as compared to impaired glycemic status and apparently healthy individuals and to look for correlation between these various iron markers and glycemic control. Methods: One hundred and fifteen (115) subjects were enrolled for the study and divided into three groups: fifty (50) each of diabetic & impaired glycemic status and fifteen (15) apparently healthy individuals based on HbA1c level. Basic demographic profile like age and sex and estimation of serum random glucose, urea, ceatinine, iron, ferritin, transferrin and soluble transferring receptor (stfR) were done. Results: ANOVA test has shown a significant difference in the mean for stfR (F=11.055, p=0.000) as well as for stfR/ferritin index (F=8.68, p=0.000). ANOVA for serum iron, transferrin, and ferritin were not statistically different for the groups. A significant correlation was found between HbA1c & stfR -ferritin index and between HbA1c and stfR in diabetic group. Conclusion: Iron and its markers are not only important in detecting and study of iron deficiency anemia but also might have a strong role in glucose homeostasis as well as development of intolerance and hence diabetes. stfR and stfR- ferritin index is comparatively stable and might be therefore used as additional marker along with HbA1C for monitoring blood glucose homeostasis.