Hepatic Transaminases in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: Cross-Sectional, Analytic Study

Abstract

The risk of chronic liver disease is higher in patient with type 2 diabetes than general population. Raised serum transaminases levels are a sensitive indicator of liver cell injury. This study was performed to estimate the prevalence of elevated serum transaminases levels in type-2 diabetic patients and to identify the associated risk factors. In this cross-sectional type of analytic study, ninety-three purposively selected type-2 diabetic patients and equal number of healthy subjects were studied. Subjects who were taking hepatotoxic drugs and known to have any liver disease were excluded. Demographic data and anthropometric measurements were recorded from all participants. Liver function tests, fasting blood sugar, fasting lipid profile and ultrasonography of the HBS were performed. Raised levels of serum ALT, AST and ALP were found in 22.6%, 14.0% and 4.3% diabetic patients and in 4.3%, 3.2% and 3.2% healthy control. Mean serum ALT, AST and ALP levels were significantly higher in cases than controls (p < 0.05). Significant positive correlation observed between serum ALT level with fasting blood sugar, BMI and waist circumference but significant negative correlation observed between ALT level and age of the patient and duration of the diabetes. Study results were in accordance with previously reported high prevalence rates of abnormal liver enzymes in type-2 diabetic patients. Early detection of liver enzyme abnormality and intervention will help to prevent further progression to chronic liver disease. Screening of type-2 diabetic patients with serum ALT and AST is recommended.