Serum Ferritin Level is an Independent Predictor of Insulin Resistance in Non-diabetic Men Aged Between 30-69 Years: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2010

Abstract

DM patients compared to the non-DM subjects both in men and women (p<0.001). Serum ferritin levels correlated significantly with insulin resistance (age and body mass index adjusted p<0.001) in men, but not in women. Serum ferritin levels also correlated with total body fat (p=0.009), triglyceride levels (p<0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (p<0.001) and leukocyte count (p<0.001), but not with iron or fat intake. Multivariate analysis showed that serum ferritin level was an independent predictor of insulin resistance even after adjusting body fat, ALT levels, triglyceride levels and leukocyte count (β=0.027, p=0.027). Beta cell function was not associated with ferritin levels both in men and women. Conclusion: Elevated serum ferritin was a risk factor for DM by increasing insulin resistance rather than affecting beta cell function. Serum ferritin level was an independent predictor of insulin resistance even after adjusting body fat or systemic inflammation in men.