Ferritin Levels in Poorly Controlled Type II Diabetics Versus Patients with Optimal Control

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health concern characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and associated complications. Serum ferritin an iron storage protein and inflammatory marker has been linked to poor glycemic control and may provide insight into the interplay between iron metabolism, inflammation and diabetes management.

Objective: To assess the correlation of glycemic control with serum ferritin levels.

Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was performed at the Department of Pathology and Endocrinology, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi from December 2023 to May 2024. Data of patients attending the diabetic clinic were included and distributed into two groups: Group A (patients with good glycemic control) and Group B (patients with poor glycemic control). Blood samples from patients included in this study were collected and analyzed for the levels of serum ferritin, CRP and HbA1C. Descriptive variables were presented as frequency, percentages and median accordingly.

Results: In this study of 160 participants, divided based on glycemic control, group A had a lower median HbA1C of 5.70% compared to 8.10% in group B. Group B also had a higher median serum ferritin level (348.00 µg/L versus 161.5 µg/L). Additionally, group A had lower levels of C-reactive protein (0.3 mg/dL) compared to group B (0.4 mg/dL). Higher serum ferritin and CRP levels were strongly correlated to increased HbA1C levels.

Conclusion: Increased ferritin and CRP levels are strongly related to poorly controlled T2DM. Monitoring ferritin levels in glycemic care can enhance patient outcomes by allowing for better risk assessment ...............