原本
The disorder was first decribed in 1865. It was then labelled bronze diabetes, a misleading name.
It is only in recent years that serious attempts have been made to understand the mechanisms of iron regulation in the body. Until 20 - 30 years ago the condition was considered rare. Many people who died from liver disease due to iron overload were probably misdiagnosed.
In 1997 a major breakthrough occurred when the HFE gene mutation C282Y was identified.
In recent years much more research has occurred to understand the cause, symptoms, diagnosis and prevalence of the condition.
Many countries now have their own national support groups.
In Australia, see www.ha.org.au .
For other countries check the haemochromatosis International website http://haemochromatosis-international.org/