Two Percent of Type 2 Diabetics Have Hereditary Hemochromatosis

Posted November 17th, 2015 by Canadian Hemochromatosis Society

Canadian Hemochromatosis Society volunteers attended a Canadian Diabetes Association Information and Awareness Expo in Toronto recently to inform attendees that an estimated two percent of Canadians with Type 2 diabetes have hereditary hemochromotatosis.

Attendees were given a self-diagnostic handout and told that if they have any two of the symptoms listed in the handout, they should discuss their symptoms with their physician. If hereditary hemochromatosis is suspected, their physician will order a FASTING iron saturation percentage (TSat) and a serum ferritin test. If both test results are elevated, the next step is a HFE genetic test to clinically confirm the diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis. All the tests are covered by the provincial medical plan. The self-diagnostic handout can be downloaded by clicking here.