Soluble transferrin receptors and ferritin in Type 2 diabetic patients

Aim  To determine circulating transferrin receptor levels (sTfR) in Type 2 diabetic patients to evaluate whether serum ferritin reflects iron body stores or inflammation in diabetic population. Methods  A total of 84 consecutive Type 2 diabetic patients and 60 healthy subjects matched by age and gender were included in this case‐control study. Ferritin concentration was measured by a turbidimetric method and sTfR concentration were determined by nephelometry. Results  Diabetic patients have higher serum ferritin levels than control subjects [114 ng/ml (12–831) vs. 74 ng/ml (11–697); P  = 0.006]. However, no differences in sTfR concentrations were observed between both groups [1.27 mg/l (0.69–2.47) vs. 1.24 mg/l (0.77–2.80); P  = NS]. A negative correlation between ferritin and sTfR concentration was detected in control subjects but not in diabetic patients. Conclusions  Serum ferritin levels are increased in Type 2 diabetic patients in the absence of a reciprocal decrease of sTfR. This finding suggests that elevated ferritin levels in Type 2 diabetes are mainly as a result of inflammatory mechanisms rather than iron overload.