Have you ever wondered about genetic disorders? Hereditary Hemochromatosis is a very common genetic disorder that currently affects as many as one in every 200 people in the United States. Approximately 10% to 12 % of people of European background are heterozygous for the condition.  Hemochromatosis is less common in African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and American Indians.  A person may develop symptoms of the disorder as early as age 20, but signs of the condition usually begin to appear by ages 40 through 60.  Hereditary Hemochromatosis is a disorder that causes an iron overload in the body.  This iron overload can cause serious health problems and possibly diabetes.

-Apostolos Psychogios, MD, FACMG