Researchers said men could be more prone to type II diabetes as they accumulate more iron than women. As compared to one-fifth of women, two-fifth of men were at risk of the disease. Iron is a micronutrient which is required for the formation of some essential body proteins and enzymes, like hemoglobin, cytochromes and peroxidase. Though it is harmful when stored in excess in the body, but promotes the release of free radicals that damage the secretion capacity of beta cells of the pancreas to produce insulin.
The findings said, it also decreases insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues and organs involved in glucose metabolism. The study led by Alex O. Aregbesola from the University of Eastern Finland showed that men have 61 % higher prevalence and 46 % increased the risk of developing type II diabetes when compared with women. Excess body iron accumulation is a known risk factor for…
