Correlation Between Hyperferritinemia & Microvascular Complications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71393/ray7v284Keywords:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Serum ferritin, Diabetic retinopathy, Diabetic nephropathy, Microvascular complications, HyperferritinemiaAbstract
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a major metabolic disorder associated with microvascular complications such as retinopathy and nephropathy. Emerging evidence suggests that elevated serum ferritin, a marker of iron stores and inflammation, may play a role in the pathogenesis of these complications.
Aim & Objective: To assess serum ferritin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and evaluate its association with microvascular complications.
Materials & Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months in the Department of General Medicine, IG ESIC Hospital, Jhilmil, Delhi. A total of 351 patients with T2DM were included based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. After obtaining informed consent, detailed clinical history, examination, and investigations including serum ferritin, urine albumin–creatinine ratio, and fundoscopy were performed. Data was analyzed using SPSS, with appropriate statistical tests applied. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.
Results: A total of 351 patients with T2DM were included, with a mean age of 56.84±7.29 years and a male predominance (57.1%). Over half of the participants were overweight (52%). The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy was 23.7% and 22.6%, respectively. The mean serum ferritin level was 376.70±94.56 mcg/L. Significantly higher ferritin levels were observed in patients with diabetic retinopathy (416.93±106.15 vs 364.19±87.19 mcg/L; p=0.001) and nephropathy (400.53±112.68 vs 369.75±87.64 mcg/L; p=0.01). No significant association was found between serum ferritin and HbA1c levels (p=0.26). However, weak but statistically significant positive correlations were noted between ferritin and systolic blood pressure (r=0.12), diastolic blood pressure (r=0.11), platelet count (r=0.24), and urea levels (r=0.12).
Conclusion: Hyperferritinemia is common in patients with T2DM and shows a weak association with diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. Serum ferritin may serve as a potential marker for microvascular complications, although its relationship with glycemic control remains unclear.
