The
genetic disease hemochromatosis has sometimes been called "
bronze diabetes" because the
kidneys often fail, leading to symptoms similar to those found with
diabetes mellitus, and because the deposition of
iron into the skin sometimes makes the person look like he or she has an all-over
tan.
Physicians used to believe that this disease was rare and mainly affected people of Caucasian descent, but in recent decades scientists have realized it is fairly common and affects a wide range of ethnic groups. Some believe that this genetic defect actually helps people (especially women) survive in areas where malnutrition is widespread and iron is scarce in food.
People suffering from milder forms of this disease may gain relief simply by donating blood on a regular basis to rid themselves of excess iron.
From the science dictionary at http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/