ABSTRACT
Our aims were to investigate the factors associated with increased insulin resistance in non-diabetic chronic hepatitis C patients. HCV-infected patients without DM [n= 28] which was further subdivided into non-cirrhotics and cirrhotics were compared with age-and sex-matched patients with chronic hepatitis C with type 2 DM [n = 22], also, it was subdivided according to the presence or absence of cirrhosis, and healthy controls [n =6]. Serum insulin level, serum ferritin and blood glycated haemoglobin levels were calculated using ECLIA [electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay], ELISA and Quantitative Colorimetric method respectively. Homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index [HOMA-IR] and B cell function [HOMA-B] were calculated. There was significant difference regarding age between CHC [chronic hepatitis C] cirrhotic diabetic group and control and non-diabetic non-cirrhotic group [P=0.001]. Age is correlated with IR [p=0.006], HOMA-IR [p=0.004] and HOMA-B [p=0.041]. BMI [Body mass index] is correlated with IR [p=0.02], HOMA-IR [p=0.046] and HOMA-B [p=0.02]. Albumin is correlated with IR [P<0.001], HOMA-IR [0.001] and HOMA-B [P<0.001]. SCOT is correlated with IR [p=0.006], HOMA-IR [p=0.018] and HOMA-B [p=0.005]. SGPT is correlated with IR [p=0.003], HOMA-IR [p=0.007] and HOMA-B [p=0.011]. Platelet count is negatively correlated with IR [P<0.001], HOMA-IR [P<0.001] and HOMA-B [P<0.001]. findings indicate that older age, obesity and high serum ferritin level help identify those HCV patients who have potential risk factors for development of DM and increased level of Insulin resistance and control of these factors like obesity or serum ferritin level may help to improve insulin sensitivity in these patients