Hypoglycaemic episodes in patients with diabetes in course of liver cirrhosis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. The aim of the study was to evaluate hypoglycaemic episodes, including symptomfree events detected with continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) in patients with diabetes mellitus in course of liver cirrhosis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. 18 patients with diabetes in course of liver cirrhosis and 18 type 2 diabetic patients (control group) were enrolled into the study. All patients were treated with insulin. During 72 hours glucose values with CGMS was measured, insulin treatment was not modified. The state of hypoglycemia assumed as glucose value < 60 mg/dl. Duration and number of hypoglycaemic events, including symptom-free hypoglycaemic episodes were analyzed in both groups.
RESULTS. Mean number of hypoglycaemic events detected with CGMS for three days was higher for patients with hepatogenous diabetes than for type 2 patients (p = 0.02). Mean number of symptom-free hypoglycaemic events detected with CGMS was statistically similar in both groups (NS). Mean duration of hypoglycaemic episodes, including symptom-free hypoglycaemic episodes was similar in both groups (NS).
CONCLUSIONS. It was concluded, that hepatogenic diabetes is associated with essentially higher number of hypoglycaemic events than type 2 diabetes. CGMS is useful in diabetic patients with liver cirrhosis for hypoglycaemic episodes detection.