Iron overload can be caused due to genetic causes or excess of dietary iron intake. Iron in normal range is important for normal functioning of pancreatic cell, energy production and many other cellular processes, but its excess can result in many complications as depicted in article :The Hidden Dangers of Iron Overload’ by @Joyshree.
Iron overload also acts as an important biomarker for diabetes and works in synergic relationship with hyperglycemia. It acts through
· ROS formation
· ferroptosis of beta cells of pancreas
· ferroptosis in liver, muscles and fat, causing insulin resistance
· inhibition of leptin and adiponectin of adipocytes affecting the adipose tissue metabolism
· disruption of mitochondrial dynamics
There are various pathways in all of the above points through which iron damages vital metabolic pathways resulting in increased risk or intensified symptoms of diabetes.
This makes iron overload an important factor for diabetes progression. Iron levels should be carefully and regularly monitored in pre diabetic individuals and optimising iron levels can halp manage hyperglycemia in individuals suffering from T2D.
Indeed! Anything which is more than the required quantity results in some health conditions. Great insight on how more than required iron can cause harm than better.
Concise and well-explained. This highlights how iron overload shifts from being essential to harmful-linking oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and insulin resistance clearly. A strong reminder that micronutrient balance matters as much as glucose control in diabetes management.
Very well explained. The link between iron overload and diabetes is often overlooked, especially the role of ferroptosis and oxidative stress in beta cell damage.
Iron excess accelerates the development of type 2 diabetes by causing ROS, beta cell ferroptosis, and insulin resistance in the liver, muscle, and fat. Targeted reduction combined with routine ferritin testing in prediabetes could revolutionize early treatment.
Very informative post. Excessive iron load harms pancreatic beta cells through simple processes like excess rust like reactions inside cells and leads to cell membranes breakdown and cells die from iron buildup [ferroptosis]