Sun 20 Sep 2009
I have always had high blood iron for as long as I can remember. I learned this in college when I started donating blood through the Red Cross. My blood was always the darkest and in the minor iron test then sank in the solution quickest. I have Type O- blood so I was popular with the local Red Cross. I donated blood most of college years. In the military the interest in donating began to change, twice I was escorted to the base hospital to donate blood. I learned officially that I had high iron blood with no discussion of what that really meant.
After I resigned from the military, the Red Cross found me again and called every month for year to donate blood. I lost interest as a result of being hounded.
In my mid forties I began to pay more attention to my annual physicals since I could tell that I was getting older, less flexible and could tell the effect of age on overall health. I remember one extensive blood test where my doctor had me see a specialist about my high iron. The specialist told that I had hemochromatosis. Apparently my iron levels were not too high to worry about because the doctor told me to not take iron supplements because genetically I gathered iron from my meals while most people had a difficult time doing the same. That was about it. He did tell this was a condition I inherited and that was it.
But, about 6 months ago I was feeling tired or groggy some days so I asked my doctor about this and he said I had to donate blood to reduce my iron levels. My blood iron was high. I had tried donating a couple of years ago and the Red Cross informed that my blood was not acceptable. The Red Cross did not really tell me why. I asked my doctor why. He said there was nothing wrong with my blood. The Red Cross does screen blood for acceptability, but their tests are not very technical or extensive. I have since learned that hemochromatosis is an expensive test to do, more that the Red Cross wants to invest. My blood is fine, but is thrown away after it’s drawn.
After my first therapeutic phlebotomy, blood donation by prescription, I felt as though I had suddenly lost 10 pounds and my energy levels were high for a week. After 3 donations I know I am on the right track and look forward to better health with the promise of normal levels of iron soon.
I have become intrigued with what hemochromatosis means for me. I have found that like diabetes it’s a personal condition and is different for everyone. I did find out that had I continued donation blood since college that it possible that I may not have developed diabetes. A complication from hemochromatosis is diabetes. Since the pancreas is adversely impacted by high iron which and lead to diabetes.
Since I can pass hemochomatosis to my children I have educated them on the legacy and how it can affect there lives latter. I have recommend they be tested to find out if the have inherited the condition or are carriers for their children. For now I recommend they develop the have of blood donation to keep their iron level down and be good citizens.
So there is a relationship between hemochromatosis and diabetes. There can be a strong genetic tie. I have included to frequently asked question with answers to share with those of you who are interested. I hope it will be of some help.
Q: What is iron overload, hemochromatosis?
A: Hemochromatosis is a genetic condition of abnormal iron metabolism that permits absorption of too much iron from an ordinary diet. Hereditary hemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive disorder. It is NOT a blood disease. It is also known as iron overload or iron storage disease. It is possible for someone who has never had an iron pill in his/her life to have iron overload.
Q: Can iron overload be acquired?
A: Yes, iron overload can be acquired. The genetic form is known as primary hemochromatosis, hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) or (HHC), or genetic hemochromatosis (GH) and idiopathic hemochromatosis (from an unknown origin), term which is rarely used anymore. The acquired form (through massive doses of iron pills or blood transfusions) is known as secondary hemochromatosis, acquired hemochromatosis, or transfusional iron overload.
