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Diabetes and hemochromatosis

T Creighton Mitchell1, Donald A McClain

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Utah, 15 North 2030 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA.

Current Diabetes Reports
|April 1, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Hereditary hemochromatosis, an iron overload disorder, often leads to diabetes. Early detection through screening in type 2 diabetes patients can improve outcomes by addressing insulin secretion defects.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics and Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Hereditary hemochromatosis is a common autosomal recessive disorder causing excessive iron storage, primarily in Caucasians.
  • Clinical presentations are diverse, influenced by HFE genotype, which affects iron overload and disease duration.
  • The link between hemochromatosis and diabetes prevalence may be underestimated due to broad ethnic group studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between hereditary hemochromatosis and diabetes.
  • To clarify the role of insulin secretion and resistance in diabetes development in hemochromatosis patients.
  • To evaluate the potential benefits of early screening and intervention.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of HFE genotype and its impact on iron overload and clinical manifestations.
  • Assessment of insulin secretion capacity and insulin resistance in affected individuals.
  • Evaluation of the effects of phlebotomy on insulin secretion defects.

Main Results:

  • HFE genotype significantly influences disease expression and iron accumulation.
  • Loss of insulin secretory capacity appears to be the primary driver of diabetes in this population, with insulin resistance as a secondary factor.
  • Phlebotomy can reverse insulin secretion defects if implemented early.

Conclusions:

  • Early identification of hereditary hemochromatosis in individuals with type 2 diabetes is crucial.
  • Screening select diabetic populations can lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention.
  • Timely phlebotomy can ameliorate insulin secretion defects, potentially improving clinical outcomes for hemochromatosis patients with diabetes.

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