Diabetes and Glucose Metabolism in Thalassemia Major: An Update.

In patients with TM, uncontrolled iron overload has serious clinical consequences with considerable morbidity and mortality. Complications include liver damage, cardiac disease and endocrine dysfunction. Diabetes is an important complication of TM. The mechanisms of abnormal glucose homeostasis are complex and multifactorial. This review updates the current knowledge about glycemic abnormalities in TM patients and directs the attention to an early diagnosis and proper management.