Importance of OGTT for diagnosis of Diabetes in thalassemia major patients

Thalassemia major is a genetic disorder. Blood transfusion is critical for survival in these patients. Over the course of the past two and three decade’s hyper transfusion therapy in these patients has increased significant improvement in life expectancy and quality of life. Unfortunately this type of therapy increased the frequency of complication due to iron overloud. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalencey of diabetes, impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance in patients with thalassemia major, with 10-27 years of age in Tabriz. This descriptive study was done on 56 patients between 10-27 years of age with thalassemia major. The demographic informaiton theraputic regiment, the age of first trasfussion. The level of blood transfusion, the history and dosage of familial history of diabetes, Fe, TIBC, ferritin levels were assessed and recorded. For each patient glucose tolerance test, blood glucose level are performed. In this study prevalence of diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance test were found in 8.9%, 28.6% and 7.1% of patients respectively. This study showed that despite recent therapy with Desferal in the management of beta-thalassemia major, the risk of secondary endocrine dysfunction remains high. Prevalence of diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance test are greater than general population. Endocrine evaluation in patients with thalassemia major must be carried out regularly especially in those patients over the age of 10 years.