CLINICAL CORRELATION BETWEEN IRON STORAGE MARKER AND GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a widespread metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Iron metabolism disturbances, reflected by elevated serum ferritin levels, have been implicated in the pathogenesis and complications of T2DM. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical correlation between iron storage markers and glycemic control in T2DM patients at a tertiary care hospital.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 100 participants, including 50 diagnosed T2DM patients and 50 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Parameters measured included glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and serum ferritin levels. Statistical analysis was performed to compare groups and assess correlations.

Results: T2DM patients showed significantly higher mean HbA1c (8.2 ± 1.5%) and serum ferritin levels (150.6 ± 45.3 ng/mL) compared to healthy controls (HbA1c: 5.4 ± 0.6%, ferritin: 85.2 ± 30.7 ng/mL; p < 0.001 for both). The body mass index (BMI) was also significantly greater in the diabetic group (28.4 ± 4.2 kg/m² vs. 23.9 ± 3.1 kg/m², p = 0.001). A moderate positive correlation was observed between serum ferritin and HbA1c levels, indicating a link between iron overload and poor glycemic control.

Conclusion: Elevated serum ferritin levels are significantly associated with poor glycemic control in T2DM patients, suggesting that iron overload may contribute to disease progression. Monitoring serum ferritin alongside HbA1c could improve diabetes management. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to establish ferritin as a predictive biomarker in T2DM.