Evaluation of Serum Ferritin, Iron Status, Electrolyte Balance, and Lipid Profile among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Hospital-Based Study
K.M.Lokman Nayan
Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
Jannatul Ferdous Promy
Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
Ummay Jannat Sumaya
Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
Afia Anjum Sara
Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
Tasruba Jahin Elmi
Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
Fatematuj Jahura
Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
Manoja Rahaman Manami
Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/mmr.v4i1.12218
Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; Serum Ferritin; Iron Status; Lipid Profile; Glycemic Control
Abstract
Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, leading to long-term complications. Alterations in iron metabolism, electrolyte balance, and lipid profile may contribute to metabolic dysregulation and cardiovascular risk; however, integrated evaluation of these parameters remains limited in South Asian populations.
Objective: To evaluate serum ferritin, iron status, electrolyte balance, and lipid profile among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and to assess their association with glycemic control and related metabolic parameters.
Methods: This study included 220 adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Data were collected from hospital laboratory and medical record databases. Glycemic parameters (fasting blood glucose and HbA1c), iron status indices (serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation), electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, and chloride), and lipid profile parameters were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, and associations were assessed using correlation and regression analyses. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Most participants were middle-aged adults, with 58.2% belonging to the 40–59-year age group. Glycemic control was comparable between males and females, with mean HbA1c levels of 8.5 ± 1.8% and 8.2 ± 1.6%, respectively. Serum ferritin levels were significantly higher among male patients compared to females (318.6 ± 138.2 ng/mL vs. 246.4 ± 112.7 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7%) exhibited markedly elevated serum ferritin levels compared to those with better glycemic control in both males (352.6 ± 142.8 ng/mL vs. 238.2 ± 106.5 ng/mL, p = 0.002) and females (284.3 ± 128.6 ng/mL vs. 196.4 ± 92.1 ng/mL, p = 0.031). Serum ferritin showed significant positive correlations with HbA1c (r = 0.44, p < 0.001), triglycerides (r = 0.38, p < 0.001), and LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.31, p = 0.001), while a weak but significant negative correlation was observed with serum sodium levels (r = −0.21, p = 0.009). In multivariable regression analysis, HbA1c (β = 0.35, p < 0.001), triglycerides (β = 0.27, p = 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (β = 0.21, p = 0.007), male gender (β = 0.18, p = 0.015), and age (β = 0.13, p = 0.038) emerged as independent predictors of elevated serum ferritin levels.
Conclusion: Serum ferritin is closely associated with poor glycemic control and dyslipidemia in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Assessment of ferritin and iron status, alongside routine metabolic parameters, may provide additional insight into disease severity and cardiometabolic risk.
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