If confirmed, our results may be developed into novel work hypotheses to construct models for further investigations both in the preclinical and in the clinical settings. Also, our data may bring to the clinician a potential tool for diagnosis of a condition that is poorly understood, not diagnosable through laboratory tests, yet progressively more common in industrialized areas of the word. Hemochromatosis is a disease with vague symptoms, serious complications and an effective treatment. Since the genetic test for hereditary hemochromatosis became available in 1996, focus on the disease has increased. Serum-ferritin is frequently used as a first line blood test when iron overload is suspected. However, ferritin is also elevated in inflammatory states and malignant diseases. The hemochromatosis-associated genotype is found in about 85% of patients with hereditary hemochromatosis. The hfe-gene codes for the HFE-protein, which plays an important role in iron absorption in enterocytes. A possible link between 4′-Chloropropiophenone hepatic iron-overload and insulin resistance has been reported, and an association of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and insulin resistance has also been shown. Since 1996 we have experienced an Moexipril HCl increasing number of referrals from general practitioners of patients with hyperferritinemia. Many patients were overweight, middle-aged men with vague symptoms such as tiredness, fatigue, myalgia and arthralgia. Liver transaminases, especially alanine amino transferase, were often elevated. Transferrin saturation was within the reference range and the HFE gene mutation was negative. Liver biopsy often showed steatosis and nuclear glycogen inclusions, which is a frequent finding in prediabetes and diabetes mellitus type 2. Usually there were no definite signs of iron overload or other pathology. We have examined the relationship between hyperferritinemia, iron-load and insulin resistance in patients referred for elevated ferritin levels and suspicion of hemochromatosis. Patients were examined and treated according to best practice. This is an observational study with retrospective analysis of the results of the examination programme. All patients gave oral consent to the examination programme.