Frequency of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have established themselves as significant global health concerns, with a notable co-prevalence that suggests a potential pathophysiological connection. The increasing incidence of T2DM, particularly in developing countries, alongside the significant burden of HCV, poses challenges for healthcare systems and necessitates deeper understanding of their interrelation. Objective: This study aimed to ascertain the frequency of T2DM among patients with HCV infection and to investigate the potential association between HCV reactivity and the incidence of T2DM. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted at a molecular pathology laboratory in Lahore, Pakistan. Patients aged 18-60 years without cirrhosis or pre-existing T2DM were consecutively enrolled over a six-month period. Exclusion criteria included liver cancer, interferon therapy, end-stage renal disease, other viral hepatitides, and pregnancy. Data were collected via questionnaires after informed consent, with serum and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels measured. HCV reactivity was confirmed via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the frequency of T2DM was assessed by HbA1c criteria. Statistical analysis involved univariate analysis using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Among the 300 HCV-reactive patients, the frequency of T2DM was found to be 49.33% (148 patients). The mean age of participants was 42.71 ± 6.808 years, with 53.0% males and 47.0% females. Urban and rural participants were nearly equally represented. A significant association was noted between HCV reactivity and T2DM (p=0.001), while no significant relationship was found with gender, residence, marital status, or family history of T2DM. Conclusion: The study highlights a substantial frequency of T2DM in HCV-reactive patients and a significant association between HCV infection and the development of T2DM. Regular HbA1c monitoring in HCV-reactive patients is recommended for the early identification and management of T2DM.