Prevalence of diabetes in Hepatitis-C virus infected patients visiting a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Infection with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant global public health concern, with chronic infection leading to severe complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent studies have increasingly recognized the association between HCV infection and diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes (T2D), highlighting the need for further investigation into this relationship.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetes among HCV-infected patients visiting a tertiary care hospital and to explore the potential association between HCV infection and the development of diabetes.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed data from 130 individuals diagnosed with HCV infection. Demographic information, duration of HCV infection, presence of liver cirrhosis, and diabetes status were collected. Laboratory investigations included HbA1C levels to assess glycemic control and serological testing for HCV antibodies. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the association between HCV infection and diabetes, adjusting for potential confounding factors.

Results: The prevalence of diabetes among HCV-infected patients was 31.5%, with a mean HbA1C level of 6.04%, indicating suboptimal glycemic control in many patients. Liver cirrhosis was present in 25.4% of the study population. A significant association was observed between HCV infection and diabetes, with diabetic patients showing a higher likelihood of liver cirrhosis (p = 0.0001). Additionally, gender-based analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in diabetes prevalence, with females being more affected than males (p = 0.04).

Conclusion: Our findings underscore a strong association between HCV infection and diabetes, particularly in patients with advanced liver disease. The high prevalence of diabetes in this population highlights the need for routine screening and early intervention to mitigate complications and improve patient outcomes. These results advocate for integrated care approaches that address both HCV and diabetes, emphasizing the importance of early detection and management in improving the quality of life for affected individuals.

How to cite this: Rafiullah, Iqbal Y, Khattak MA, Shah SA, Shah SZA, Khan AN. Prevalence of diabetes in Hepatitis-C virus infected patients visiting a tertiary care hospital. JPES. 2024;1(2):48-52.