Profile of glucose intolerance in chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance is higher in patients with cirrhosis of any cause than in the general population. Hepatitis B infection is one of the causes. Objectives: To study the prevalence of glucose intolerance in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus (HBV) infection and to find out the association between glucose intolerance and severity of fibrosis, genotype, and HBV DNA levels. Materials and Methods: The study was a retrospective cohort type conducted in the Department of Medicine, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, which included 29 patients. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and postprandial blood sugar (PPBS) were performed. HBV DNA levels and genotype were determined. Liver fibrosis was assessed by fibroscan. Results: The number of patients with impaired and diabetic range of FBS was 5 (17.2%) and 7 (24.1%), respectively. Similarly for PPBS, 8 (27.6%) patients had impaired range and 11 (37.9%) patients with diabetic range. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) value ≥5.7 was present in 20 (69%) patients. A majority of patients were found to have genotype C (72.4%). Comparison for association between patients having impaired and diabetic range of FBS, PPBS, and HbA1C with fibroscan value >12.5 kPa was found to be statistically significant but that of genotype and HBV DNA levels was not considered significant. Conclusion: The prevalence of glucose intolerance is increased in patients with CHB infection. Patients having severe fibrosis or cirrhosis of the liver are found to be more glucose intolerant.