haemochromatosis (bronze diabetes, iron-storage disease)

Definition haemochromatosis (bronze diabetes, iron-storage disease)

haemochromatosis (bronze diabetes, iron-storage disease): haemochromatosis (bronze diabetes, iron-storage disease) n. a hereditary disorder in which there is excessive absorption and storage of iron. This leads to damage and functional impairment of many organs, including the liver, pancreas, and endocrine glands. The main features are a bronze colour of the skin, diabetes, and liver failure. Iron may be removed from the body by blood letting or an iron *chelation agent may be administered. Compare haemosiderosis.