Abstract

FRANQUELO MORALES, Pablo; GONZALEZ MARTINEZ, Félix  and  ALRAMADAN ALRAMADAN, Mubarak. Diabetes as an initial manifestation of Hereditary Hemochromatosis. Rev Clin Med Fam [online]. 2008, vol.2, n.3, pp.138-139. ISSN 2386-8201.

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a common genetic disorder of iron metabolism that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Patients with HH have enhanced gastrointestinal absorption of iron and may accumulate excessive iron stores, causing organ dysfunction. The frequency of diabetes is increased in HH. A clinical diagnosis of HH can often be established on the basis of serum iron studies (transferrin saturation index and serum ferritin level), however, a liver biopsy and determination of quantitative hepatic iron are often required to confirm the presence of tissue iron overload. The diagnosis of hereditary hemocrhomatosis before iron overload has developed is difficult and is necessary to increase physician awareness of HH. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, survival of patients is normal.

Keywords : Hemochromatosis; Diabetes mellitus.

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