Elevated iron indices in patients with diabetes

Abstract

Aims: Excess iron has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. This study documents the assessment of plasma iron indices and the correlation between transferrin saturation with biochemical and clinical parameters in a cross-sectional survey of 820 patients with diabetes in long-term follow-up in a single clinic. Methods: Plasma iron indices, together with the biochemical and clinical profile of all patients, were recorded over a 2-year period. Predictors of the transferrin saturation were identified using multiple and logistic regression analysis. Results Eighty per cent of patients had Type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of elevated transferrin saturation (> 35%) ..