Effect of elevated iron stores on lipid profile in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) comprises a group of metabolic disorders presenting with hyperglycemia resulting from insulin deficiency or decreased glucose utilization and increased glucose production. Ferritin is a globular protein which is an index for iron stores present in the body. Many research studies have found relationship between elevated ferritin levels (iron stores) and the development of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. The present study was done to establish relationship between type 2 diabetes and ferritin levels and to see the effect of elevated iron stores on lipid profile i.e. total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL (High density lipoprotein) and LDL (low density lipoprotein). Materials and Methods: 50 cases (patients of type 2 diabetes) and 50 apparently healthy subjects were selected and compared with each other. Serum ferritin, lipid profile i.e. total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL were measured from serum at clinical biochemistry section. Results: Serum ferritin was high (p<0> Conclusion: Study shows elevated ferritin level was found in the patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. Elevated iron stores are also associated with Total Cholesterol and Triglycerides.