Abstract

Background: Iron modify glucose metabolism and glucose metabolism impinges on iron. Glycation of hemoglobin contributes to substantial affinity for transitional metals and the development of complications is linked to the accumulation of glycation.
Objective: This study was undertaken to assess the serum free iron levels in patients with type II diabetes mellitus (DM) and its correlation with good and poor glycemic control.
Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 patients and 50 healthy controls. They are grouped as Group I, 50 normal healthy controls; Group II, 50 type II DM patients with good glycemic control (HbA1C ≤ 7); Group III, 50 type II DM patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1C > 7). Levels of HbA1C l and serum iron were assessed. The data collected were recorded and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Result: The mean serum iron concentration between group I and III (p < 0.001) as well as between group II and III (p < 0.005) was statistically significant. Difference between group I and II was not statistically significant ( p = 0.205). Conclusion: From our study it was concluded that serum free iron concentration was higher in patients with type II DM with poor glycemic control. In addition, there was a positive correlation between serum free iron concentration and glycemic control.