Recently, there has been positive news regarding this Type 2 diabetes epidemic. Certain states have shown (among adults) indications of a plateau, or even a leveling off of cases that are newly diagnosed. This could be due, partly, to better screening and awareness, as well as active and informed behavior of people who have been diagnosed with prediabetes. Hemochromatosis is an illness in which the body absorbs iron from food sources.
The problem results from a defective gene that can cause progressive damage to a range of organs. There is plenty to know about the effects of diabetes on our health! A condition that is known as “bronze diabetic” is not a new concept for many, and being aware of what this recently classified condition can mean and the way it could impact you and your family members is vital.
Hemochromatosis is a condition where the body can absorb excess iron from food sources. The cause is an infected gene that can cause the gradual destruction of a variety of organs. Hemochromatosis is often known as bronze diabetes because it may cause darkening of the skin and the condition is known as hyperglycemia.
What exactly is ‘bronze diabetes’?
It is important to be aware of what a new type of condition is, and also how it might be affecting you or your family members is vital.
Bronze diabetes is derived because of the dark brown color of the skin which is caused by the buildup of iron in the body. The form of diabetes that is described here is accompanied by an underlying liver disorder known as hemochromatosis.
What exactly is Hemochromatosis?
It is said that the American Diabetes Association describes this liver disease as a root cause “(a) one gene mutation creates extra iron that is taken in from food items into the intestine. Moreover, the body is not able to make a proper way to eliminate all the iron that it absorbs. As time passes, the iron builds up within organ tissues, specifically the pancreas, but also the liver. The iron build-up inside the organs, causing the organs to suffer damage.”
There are two types of hemochromatosis:
- Primary – also known as genetic resulting from a genetic mutation.
- Secondary – or acquired due to other conditions or illnesses that could alter the way that the body removes iron, or cause the body’s body to store iron.
There’s usually a trifecta of indicators that are likely to affect those with hemochromatosis.
- Irreparable liver damage (cirrhosis)
- Diabetes mellitus
- A bronze discoloration on the skin
The early detection of hemochromatosis may be difficult because it could cause symptoms similar to those of other conditions. It is crucial to know the connection between hemochromatosis and diabetes mellitus. A report by the CDC suggests that as high as 75 percent of people with hemochromatosis will develop diabetes mellitus.
Symptoms or The signs
The signs of hemochromatosis manifest gradually, with symptoms usually appearing after 40 years old.
It could be a sign of:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain is a common problem, particularly in the fingers
- Unusual bronzing or tarnishing of the skin
- Erectile dysfunction
- Missed or late periods
- Uterine frequency has increased
- Thirst
- Hair loss in the body
- The heart is weakened due to the heart
The causes of Bronze Diabetes
Hemochromatosis is a frequent genetic condition that is passed down through the generations. Patients with hemochromatosis are affected by two different sets of mutations in the HFE gene.
People who carry one version of the defective gene do not be affected by hemochromatosis but may be carriers of the disease when their spouse is carrying the defective gene. The defective gene can cause the body to absorb excessive amounts of iron in food. The body usually absorbs what it needs.
The body does not have a natural reaction to help eliminate excess iron. In the end, as time goes by, it can store iron within organs like the pancreas, liver, and even the skin in the order listed above.
In excess, iron in the liver could cause damage to the liver and excessive metal in the pancreas could result in the condition known as diabetes. Types of diabetes due to a medical condition are known as secondary diabetes.
Diagnosis
Hemochromatosis is diagnosed by an increase in transferrin or ferritin blood tests. Or in the event of an analysis of DNA in blood to determine any defective HFE gene. A biopsy of the liver can be done to determine if there was any harm to the liver.
If you have family members who are diagnosed with hemochromatosis, it is possible to have a test done for it.
Treatment and prevention of Hemochromatosis
The use of phlebotomy blood treatment to treat hemochromatosis is promising. Once the iron levels of the body are reduced and under control, diabetes can be reversed. Phlebotomy treatments are composed of two stages that comprise an iron reduction stage and the long-term maintenance phase.
Prevention begins by taking active roles in your overall health, understanding the family history of your relatives, and discussing the risk of hemochromatosis with your medical team. Monitoring If suffer from hemochromatosis, you must be sure to have your ferritin levels monitored at least every year. This will help to keep your iron levels in the range of normal and help avoid the severe problems that can result from excessive iron.
Making yourself a better patient by studying these new diabetes-related conditions can help to manage your health. Begin a conversation about diabetes with your health care provider now! For more information about hemochromatosis, go to The American Diabetes Association.
Hemochromatosis is typically treated using regular phlebotomy procedures, that involve the removal of iron-rich blood cells from the body. Another option is chelation therapy which is the use of a drug known as Deferasirox.
The treatment for hemochromatosis can be described as ‘off-label which means it is not yet clinically tested for hemochromatosis.
However, it is possible to prescribe it in the case of a medical illness, such as anemia or heart disease which may prevent you from having the phlebotomy procedure.
The bottom line of Bronze Diabetes
In some instances, treatment for hemochromatosis can reverse the progression of diabetes. In other instances, it is possible to cause irreparable damage to the pancreas, which may require medication for diabetes to keep blood sugar levels in check.
Your healthcare provider can advise you on the need for medication and if it is if you require tablets or insulin.
Read more: We will know everything about diabetes