Association between Serum Ferritin Levels and Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Persistent hyperglycemia is a hallmark of T2DM (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus), a chronic metabolic disease linked to oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. One possible biomarker for glycaemic management is serum ferritin, which is a measure of the body's iron reserves and an acute-phase inflammatory marker. The purpose of this study was to assess serum ferritin levels in T2DM patients and ascertain how they relate to glycaemic control.

Methods: Over the course of 18 months (April 2023–October 2024), a cross-sectional study was carried out at K.R. Hospital, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute. Convenience sampling was used to register 100 patients with T2DM. FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar), PPBS (Post-Prandial Blood Sugar), HbA1c, serum ferritin, complete hemograms, liver function tests, and renal function tests were among the laboratory tests and clinical information that were documented. Patients with diseases such as anaemia, liver illness, cancer, acute infections, pregnancy, and iron supplements that alter ferritin levels were not included. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used in the statistical analysis; p <0.05 was deemed statistically significant.

Results: Among the 100 participants, 39% belonged to the 41–50-year age group and 56% were females. Polyuria and polydipsia were reported in 55% and 62% of patients, respectively. The mean age was 51.31±10.18 years, mean BMI was 26.75±4.37 kg/m², mean FBS was 208.87 mg/dL, mean PPBS was 284.97 mg/dL, mean HbA1c was 10.08%, and mean serum ferritin level was 508.20 ng/mL. Serum ferritin showed a weak positive correlation with FBS (r=0.095, p=0.049) and HbA1c, while a negative correlation was observed with PPBS. BMI demonstrated a significant negative correlation with serum ferritin (r=-0.279, p=0.005).

Conclusion: Serum ferritin levels were elevated in patients with poorly controlled T2DM and demonstrated an association with glycemic parameters. Although the correlations were modest, serum ferritin may serve as an additional biomarker for assessing glycemic control and monitoring disease severity. Larger prospective studies are recommended to further establish its clinical utility.