Association between Elevated Serum Ferritin and HBA1C in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background and objectives : Diabetes is a disease of metabolic dysregulation. Recent studies have emphasized the role of serum ferritin in insulin resistance and the incidence of diabetes mellitus. However, the role of ferritin as a marker of iron overload in pancreatic damage and peripheral insulin resistance or its role as an inflammatory marker is not clear. The aim of this study is to establish an association between serum ferritin, FBS and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes mellitus and to evaluate the role of serum ferritin on glycemic status. Methods : A case control study was done with 90 type 2 DM patients. FBS,PLBS, Hb%, HbA1c% and serum ferritin were measured. Results : Significant hyperglycemia was observed in the cases compared to the controls. Mean ±SD of FBS, PLBS, HbA1c and serum ferritin were highest in group with poor glycemic control. Interpretations and conclusion : Higher positive correlation of serum ferritin with HbA1c shows that dysglycemia affects ferritin levels possibly due to inflammation or oxidative stress or a combination of two. Iron may negatively impact on glycemic control. Also in the presence of hyperglycemia and inflammation, iron may contribute to the development and progression of oxidative injury.