Glucose abnormalities and hepatitis virus infections

Abstract

Since the discovery of the hepatitis C virus in 1989, attention has been paid to the possibly association of chronic HCV infection and the development of diabetes. The prevalence of glucose abnormalities and overt diabetes is four to ten times higher than in general population. Some studies has shown that HCV infection or connected with HCV infection hepatic function impairment induces development of insulin resistance which may leads to type 2 diabetes. Till now we still haven`t know the exact mechanisms which leads to glucose abnormalities. The presence of diabetes and hepatic steatosis may enhance fibrosis progression and hepatocellular carcinoma. Interferon which is used to treat HCV infection is reportedly associated with improved glucose tolerance. However, interferon might enhance underlying autoimmunity against beta cells, leading to overt type 1 diabetes. Further clinical researches are awaited in order to show the connection between chronic HCV infection and diabetes and how effectively detect, prevent, and treat HCV-associated type 2 diabetes, which would also slow the progression of hepatitis C itself.