Extra Iron Proven to Cause Diabetes

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http://mercola.com/2004/mar/10/iron_diabetes.htm

 

 

Extra Iron Proven to Cause Diabetes

 

 

 

A study has found that increased levels of iron are linked to a greater risk for

type 2 diabetes in healthy women independent of common diabetes risk factors,

such as obesity.

 

 

 

The results of these findings have become a helpful indicator of those women who

should avoid taking iron supplements. The findings also revealed that people

with hemochromatosis, a disease in which the body takes in too much iron with

food, are more likely to develop diabetes.

 

 

 

Researchers said that high iron levels can cause damage to cells and begin to

interfere with organ functions, particularly the body’s ability to produce

insulin, an important hormone that is responsible for converting sugar to

energy.

 

 

 

The study tracked the blood levels of ferritin, a protein that shows the iron

level in the body, and found that the average levels were 109 in the women who

developed diabetes compared to the 71.5 in the other women. The normal ferritin

level range for women is between 12 to 150 nanograms per milliliter.

 

 

 

Journal of the American Medical Association February 11, 2004;291(6):711-7

 

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

I was a bit late in reporting on this one as I was out of the country for a

while, however this study brings up an important--and often unrecognized--issue.

Iron is a catalyst in the formation of hydroxyl free radicals. These are the

most dangerous and potent free radicals in the body as they attack cell

membranes, fats, proteins and DNA. Iron is really the anti-antioxidant--it does

the exact opposite of an antioxidant.

 

Measuring your iron levels is a very effective way of maintaining your health.

The best way to do this is through a measure of serum ferritin level in

conjunction with total iron binding level. If your levels are too high, above

150, one way of treating elevated iron levels is by taking a simple extract from

rice bran called phytic acid, or IP6. Not only is this an inexpensive solution,

but also it doesn’t require any prescription.

 

This is an important issue for me as my dad was diagnosed with diabetes a few

years ago due to elevated iron levels. It has been very difficult to control the

diabetes despite his great dietary and exercise compliance.

 

This is something you want to pay attention to as nearly all adult men and most

postmenopausal women have excess iron levels. I wrote an article on how to

diagnose iron overload in December and would encourage you to read it for more

information. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to lower your

risk. The most important one is to donate your blood regularly, which not only

helps you but others as well.

 

Related Articles:

 

How to Diagnose Iron Overload

 

Lower Iron if You Have or Want to Avoid Diabetes

 

Iron Overload Disorder Common and Increases Risk for Heart Attacks

 

Excess Iron Damages Blood Vessels

 

Drug Treatment for Iron Overload

 

Obesity and Diabetes Increases Risk of Birth Defects

 

 

 

 

 

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