Influence of serum ferritin on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the influence of serum ferritin levels on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Medicine, Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad, Pakistan. Period: July 2021 to December 2021. Material & Methods: A total of 180 patients of 30-60 years of age and either gender, and known cases of diabetes mellitus for ≥3 year duration were included. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data was recorded. HbA1c below 7% was labeled as good glycemic control while HbA1c above or equal to 7% was designated as poor glycemic control. The serum ferritin ≥307 μg/L was considered as raised. Association of glycemic control with respect to serum ferritin levels was noted. Results: In a total of 180 patients of T2DM, the mean age, duration of diabetes, and HbA1c were 53.62 ± 5.82 years, 11.91±4.92 years, and 12.41 ± 5.73% respectively. The mean serum ferritin was 512±22.53 ug/L, whereas serum ferritin was raised in 109 (60.5%). The serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in patients with poor glycemic control than those having good glycemic control (56.0% versus 44.0%, p=0.044). Conclusion: In contrast to individuals with good glycemic control, patients with poor glycemic control more frequently had elevated serum ferritin levels, according to the current study. In order to properly manage diabetes patients and prevent the negative effects of elevated serum ferritin levels, serum ferritin should be included in the usual screening protocol of diabetic patients while monitoring their glycemic status.