Horm Metab Res 2024; 56(04): 272-278
DOI: 10.1055/a-2185-5073
Review

β-Thalassemia and Diabetes Mellitus: Current State and Future Directions

1   Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
,
Eglal Mahgoub
1   Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
,
Reem Qannita
1   Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
,
Ayah Alalami
1   Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
,
Ola Al Shehadat
1   Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
,
Mona Youssef
1   Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
,
Ayah Dib
1   Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
,
Alaa Al Hajji
1   Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
,
Amani Al Hajji
1   Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
,
Fatheya Al-Khaja
2   Dubai Thalassemia Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
,
Hany Dewedar
2   Dubai Thalassemia Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
,
Mawieh Hamad
3   University of Sharjah College of Health Sciences, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
› Author Affiliations

Fundings University of Sharjah — http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100016714; No. 22010901117 22010901106 and 2101050170.
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Abstract

β-Thalassemia major is a congenital hemoglobin disorder that requires regular blood transfusion. The disease is often associated with iron overload and diabetes mellitus, among other complications. Pancreatic iron overload in β-thalassemia patients disrupts β-cell function and insulin secretion and induces insulin resistance. Several risk factors, including family history of diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, gender, and advanced age increase the risk of diabetes in β-thalassemia patients. Precautionary measures such as blood glucose monitoring, anti-diabetic medications, and healthy living in β-thalassemia patients notwithstanding, the prevalence of diabetes in β-thalassemia patients continues to rise. This review aims to address the relationship between β-thalassemia and diabetes in an attempt to understand how the pathology and management of β-thalassemia precipitate diabetes mellitus. The possible employment of surrogate biomarkers for early prediction and intervention is discussed. More work is still needed to better understand the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the link between β-thalassemia and diabetes and to identify novel prognostic and therapeutic targets.



Publication History

Received: 21 August 2023

Accepted after revision: 29 September 2023

Article published online:
23 October 2023

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