Evidence of dysregulated iron homeostasis in newly diagnosed diabetics, but not in pre-diabetics

Diabetes mellitus has been reported to be associated with increased serum levels of ferritin. The basis of this association is unclear. It is also not precisely known whether other iron-related parameters, including hepcidin (the central regulator of systemic iron homeostasis), are affected under these circumstances. This study attempted to determine this. Adult men (normoglycemic or newly diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes) were recruited. Anthropometric, metabolic, and hematological and iron-related parameters in blood were measured. Indices of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and pancreatic beta cell function (HOMA-β) were calculated. Subjects in the 3 groups were similar in age, and anthropometric and hematological parameters. Serum ferritin and hepcidin levels were higher in diabetics, than in pre-diabetics and in control subjects. These elevations seen were not linked to the presence of inflammation. HOMA-IR was higher in diabetics, and HOMA-β lower in diabetics and pre-diabetics, than in control subjects. HOMA-IR and serum ferritin were positively correlated with one another. Elevated levels of serum ferritin and hepcidin in newly diagnosed diabetics (but not pre-diabetics) indicate dysregulated iron homeostasis, with the former positively associated with insulin resistance in these patients. •Diabetes mellitus has been reported to be associated with elevated serum ferritin levels, but the basis of this is unclear.•Iron-related parameters in blood were studied in men newly diagnosed to be diabetic or pre-diabetic.•Serum levels of ferritin and hepcidin were elevated in diabetics, but not in pre-diabetics.•Serum ferritin levels were positively and significantly associated with insulin resistance.•Thus, men newly diagnosed to be diabetic showed evidence of dysregulated iron homeostasis.