Zinc Supplementation in Patients With β-Thalassemia Major Complicated With Diabetes Mellitus
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2018-08-28
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Beta-thalassemia represents a group of recessive inherited hemoglobin disorders characterized
by reduced synthesis of β-globin chain. The homozygous state (β-thalassemia major) "TM"
results in severe anemia, which needs regular blood transfusion . The life expectancy in
patients with TM has increased due to therapeutically management, such as frequent
transfusion, desferal administration and bone marrow transplantation. Diabetes is clinically
characterized by hyperglycemia due to either low circulating concentrations of, or decreased
sensitivity to, insulin. Patients with TM typically exhibit β-cell or insulin insufficiency,
and may develop diabetes due to toxic levels of iron in their pancreas, one of the strongest
predictors of β-cell destruction. By contrast, hyperinsulinemia, secondary to insulin
resistance, with normal glucose tolerance has also been observed.
The pathogenic mechanisms leading from siderosis to diabetes are poorly understood.