Primary Hemochromatosis Presenting as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report with Review of Literature

Hemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder resulting in increased intestinal absorption of iron and eventually to iron overload. The onset of symptoms is usually seen around 40 years of age. Iron overload causes tissue damage in liver, pancreas, skin, joints, heart, and gonads. Approximately 50% of patients diagnosed with hemochromatosis will have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) because of selective beta-cell damage due to iron overload and leads to impaired insulin synthesis, release, and insulin resistance. Early diagnosis and treatment of hemochromatosis prevents the development of diabetes. We present a case in a 48-year-old male with a history of DM for 6 months and skin pigmentation over face for 1 year.