Role of iron in diabetes mellitus and its complications

Abstract

Introduction Iron is one of the essential minerals that is required for a variety of molecules to maintain their normal structures and functions. Although it is essential, iron can also be toxic in excess amounts. Oxidative stress is one of the major causative factors for diabetes and diabetic complications. Increasing evidence has indicated that iron overload not only increases risks for insulin resistance and diabetes but also causes cardiovascular diseases in nondiabetic and diabetic individuals. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the role of iron in diabetes mellitus and its complications. Data analysis Data sources: Data were collected from medical text books, medical journals, medical websites that had updated research with keywords (iron and diabetes mellitus) in the title of the paper. Study selection: Systematic reviews that addressed diabetes mellitus and studies that addressed the role of iron in the pathogenesis of diabetes and diabetic complications were selected for study. Data extraction: A special search was carried out at midline with keywords (iron and diabetes mellitus) in the title of papers and extraction was made, including assessment of quality and validity of papers that met with the prior criteria that describe the role of iron in the pathogenesis of diabetes and diabetic complications. Data synthesis: Each study was reviewed independently and the obtained data were rebuilt in new language according to the need of the researcher and arranged in topics through the article. Recent findings: Iron overload not only increases risks for insulin resistance and diabetes but also accelerates diabetic complications. Conclusion Oxidative stress is one of the major causative factors for diabetes and diabetic complications. Increasing evidence has indicated that iron overload not only increases risks for insulin resistance and diabetes but also causes cardiovascular diseases in nondiabetic and diabetic individuals.