The Relationship between Serum Ferritin and Glycosylated Hemoglobin in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: serum ferritin, an acute phase reactant is a marker of iron stores in the body. Several studies concluded that, serum ferritin was found to be high in uncontrolled type 2 diabetic patients. This study was carried out to investigate serum ferritin levels in poor controlled type 2 diabetes (PCD) and well controlled type 2 diabetes (WCD). Subjects and Methods: the study comprised of 42 apparently healthy controls and 84 type 2 diabetic patients. They were recruited from the Governmental and NGO's Hospital at Cairo, Egypt. Anthropometric measurements including: weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Fasting blood glucose (FBG); Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAIc) and serum ferritin were determined. Patients were subdivided into PCD and WDC according to HbAIc levels. Results: BMI; FBG; HbAIc and serum ferritin were significantly higher in in type 2 diabetics compared with apparently healthy controls. Based on glycemic control; the levels of FBG and serum ferritin were elevated in patients with HbA1c >7. Moreover, there was a positive significant correlation between serum ferritin, HbA1c and FBG that was more pronounced in PCD patients. Conclusion: the present study showed positive association of serum ferritin levels with glycemic control in Type 2 diabetic patients.