Study of serum ferritin and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycaemia which is associated with rise in the HbA1c. Excess iron damages ?-cells of pancreas due to oxidative stress which can contribute to pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. Recent research reveals that HbA1c concentration also increases in iron deficiency anemia as well. This fact is hence important as in diabetic patient, the HbA1c may not be only correlated with blood sugar level but also iron status, if the patient happens to be suffering from iron deficiency anemia. Objectives: Correlation of HbA1c and glucose level with serum ferritin. Materials and Methods: A Cross sectional pilot study was conducted in 80 diabetic patients at Central Clinical Laboratory, MIMER Medical College, Talegaon. Result: There was a positive correlation between serum ferritin and Fasting sugar, postprandial sugar, HbA1c. Serum ferritin is significantly related to Fasting Sugar (P value- 0.0028); postprandial sugar (P value- 0.0118) and glycated Haemoglobin (P value-0.0007). P value <0> Conclusion: Serum ferritin is el­evated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and can be used as a marker for glycemic control in diabetic patients.