ASSOCIATION OF IRON DEFICIENCY WITH HYPERINSULINEMIA IN BREAST CANCER

Abstract

Iron deficiency was found to sensitize insulin action and associated with increased risk of diabetes in breast cancer women. This prospective study was designed to examine the association of the level of insulin with haemoglobin, as this association may increases the risk of diabetes in breast cancer women. Methods: Fifty breast cancer women with age range 35 to 50 years were included in the study. Twenty age-matched control subjects with no history of any disease were taken as controls. Data based on age, BMI and family history were collected. Diabetic breast cancer women and women with family history of diabetes were excluded. Level of haemoglobin and insulin was estimated by standard methods. Homeostasis model assessment HOMA-insulin resistance index was calculated. Results:  Mean age of patients was 40 years. BMI of the patients was non significantly increased. Level of haemoglobin was non-significantly decreased in patients as compared to controls. Level of serum insulin was non-significantly increased in patients as compared to the controls. Increased insulin resistance was observed in patients when compared with control subjects. Conclusion: Insulin resistance may be responsible for hyperinsulinemia which in turn increases the risk of diabetes in breast cancer. Future research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanism.