Excess iron puts men more at diabetes risk, says study

Excess body iron accumulation in men increases their risk of developing type 2 diabetes when compared to women, a new study claims.

Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland found that even mildly elevated body iron contributes to the prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes.

At comparable age groups, men were found to accumulate more iron than women, and iron explained about twofifths and one-fifth of the gender difference prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes respectively.

Men have 61 per cent higher prevalence and 46 per cent increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes when compared to women.

There was a slight variation in the risk of type 2 diabetes over a wide range of serum ferritin (sF) concentrations that reflect body iron stores, with a marked increase in the risk observed at high normal range of sF concentrations in men.

However, iron depletion towards deficiency as reflected by serum-soluble transferrin receptor concentrations did not offer protection against type 2 diabetes; rather, there was a U-shaped type of association between iron stores and the risk of type 2 diabetes which showed that the risk was lowest on moderate levels. “Hence, a safe range of body iron in men with regard to the risk of type 2 diabetes may be 30-200 microgrammes a litre of serum ferritin,” said Alex O Aregbesola from University of Eastern Finland.

The study finds the association between body iron and impaired glucose metabolism was strongest among the people who are in pre-diabetes stages. Abnormalities in glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes are on the increase globally, and the prevalence of diabetes among adults is estimated at 642 million by 2040.

Reduced quality of life and increased mortality due to type 2 diabetes and its complications are of great concern.

Preventive measures targeted at established risk factors of type 2 diabetes, such as excess body weight or obesity, physical inactivity and poor nutrition need further exploration. Unhealthy dietary habits associated with the surge of type 2 diabetes include excess dietary intake of iron and unregulated iron supplement use. Iron is a micronutrient that is required in the formation of some essential body proteins and enzymes, like hemoglobin, cytochromes and peroxidase.

However, it is harmful when stored in excess in the body. It promotes the release of free radicals that damage the secretory capacity of beta cells of pancreas to produce insulin. It also decreases insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues and organs involved in glucose metabolism.

The study was published in the journals Annals of Clinical Biochemistry, European Journal of Endocrinology and Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews. PTI

Unhealthy dietary habits associated with the surge of type 2 diabetes include excess intake of iron and unregulated iron supplement use