haemochromatosis (hemochromatosis) Iron overload; excessive absorption and storage of iron in the body, commonly the result of a genetic defect, leading to tissue damage (including diabetes) and bronze coloration of the skin. Sometimes called bronze diabetes. See also iron storage; siderosis.

haemochromatosis (bronze diabetes, iron-storage disease) (heem-ŏ-kroh-mă-toh-sis) n. a hereditary (autosomal recessive) disorder in which there is excessive absorption and storage of iron. This leads to damage of many organs, including the liver, pancreas, and endocrine glands. The main features are a bronze colour of the skin, diabetes, and liver failure. Compare haemosiderosis.