Commonly referred to as Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HHC). Caused by an overload of iron in the body, hemochromatosis is primarily a
hereditary condition. It is known to develop in persons who intake sufficient quantities of
dietary iron. Early
diagnosis and
treatment are known to prevent it, but it can be fatal.
Though rare, it is perhaps the most common genetic disorder. The iron in the body can accumulate in vital organs, and damage or destroy the organ's tissues. In the case of the pancreas, hemochromatosis can lead to diabetes. Skin can also take on a bronze-like, or slate grey colour.
Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, fatigue, severe abdominal pain, nausea. Because of the typical symptoms and reactions the disease maintains, the disease can be misdiagnosed as the following: gallbladder, menstrual and thyroid problems, iron deficiency, hepatitis, diabetes, and in some drastic cases, liver disease.
The liver is generally the most commonly affected organ, though any endocrine gland can be affected, as can the heart, joints and skin. Common causes of death are usually cardiac arrythmia or arrest, and hepatoma. Liver failure can occur as well. There is no cure, but can be treated with early diagnosis and treatment. The only really definitive treatment (aside from various medications to alleviate symptoms, and insulin therapy in the case of diabetics) is actually a good, old-fashioned blood-letting (properly referred to as a phlebotomy). These are scheduled, and can help to reduce excess iron in the blood and thus, the body.
Source: my doctor aunt, and http://home.istar.ca/~chcts/