Comparison of Frequency Distribution of Diabetes in Hepatitis B and C Patients and Other People in Birjand

Abstract

Background: Diabetes and hepatitis are among the most common diseases in the world. Hepatitis C virus leads to extra-liver manifestations, including endocrine disease and diabetes. The prevalence of hepatitis C and B in diabetic patients and the prevalence of diabetes in hepatitis C and B patients are higher than those in normal populations, and if each is added to the other, the complications will be more and the consequences will be worse. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the frequency distribution of diabetes and serum lipid levels in hepatitis B and C patients and other people. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, 80 patients with hepatitis B and C and 160 patients without hepatitis were included. In both groups, those with two glucose levels above 126 mg/dL were considered as diabetic subjects. Also, the tests for factors such as cholesterol, TG, LDL, HbA1c, HDL, and liver ultrasonography were performed for patients. Data were collected and entered into SPSS 23 software and analyzed using descriptive statistical tests (t test and chi-square or Fisher's exact test) at a significance level of α = 0.05. Results: A total of 240 patients [80 cases (hepatitis B or C positive) and 160 controls] were enrolled. Of them, 46.3% were females and most of them were in the age range of 45-55 years. Besides, 14 (5.8%) subjects had high fasting blood glucose levels of more than 126 mg/dl twice, and were considered to have diabetes. Among them, four (5.0%) cases (all having hepatitis B) and 10 (6.3%) controls were diabetics. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the mean serum lipids of cholesterol and LDL between the case and control groups (P < 0.1) but there was a significant association between HDL and TG in both groups (P = 0.02). Conclusions: All patients with hepatitis B and C should be screened for diabetes, and in addition to fasting blood glucose, we suggest that HbA1c be measured to confirm or rule out diabetes.