Presentation Date: Feb 14, 2026
AGSA Abstract
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a major public health concern associated with severe microvascular and macrovascular complications, including Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD). Iron is an essential element, and its abnormal metabolism (deficiency or overload) has been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of DM complications, potentially through increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Understanding the iron status in diabetic patients is vital for optimizing clinical management. This study aimed to evaluate the serum iron levels in diagnosed diabetic patients, compare them with healthy controls, and investigate the relationship between serum iron and key metabolic and clinical parameters, including glycemic control. This was a prospective case-control study conducted at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (U.N.T.H.), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria. The study recruited a total of 90 subjects, comprising 50 diagnosed diabetic patients (Test Group) and 40 apparently healthy non-diabetic individuals (Control Group). Serum samples were analyzed for Serum Iron Levels, Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1C), and Serum Creatinine. Anthropometric data (Weight, BMI) were also collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with a p-value less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. The diabetic patients showed a statistically significant difference in Serum Iron Levels compared to the healthy control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, significant differences were also observed in Weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1C), and Serum Creatinine between the two groups. These findings suggest a strong disruption in iron homeostasis associated with the diabetic state. Serum iron status is significantly altered in diabetic patients. This alteration is accompanied by deranged metabolic and renal function markers (HbA1C and Creatinine). These results underscore the need for routine monitoring of serum iron levels in diabetic management protocols to identify and manage iron dysregulation, potentially mitigating long-term diabetes-related complications and improving overall prognosis.
