Liver Function Tests in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with and without Oral Hypoglycemic Agents and Statin Intake.

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is often associated with liver function abnormalities, covering the entire spectrum from asymptomatic transamnitis to cirrhosis. The oral drugs used in diabetes are also associated with hepatic insult. Aims: Here we have tried to assess the prevalence the liver function test abnormality in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with special reference to intake of oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) and statins. Methods: We selected 101 patients of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Among those diabetic patients 50 were on oral hypoglycemic drugs (OHA) and statins for at least last 6 months. Another 51 age and sex matched patients were diabetic but not on these drugs. The patients were screened for any existing liver disease by biochemical tests. Results and analysis: Our results showed that the prevalence of elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin is more in Diabetic patient than normal values but the oral hypoglycemic drugs and statins had no added effect. Altogether 70 patients (69.3%) had at least one liver function test abnormality. In our study, 4.95% of the patients had elevated bilirubin (>2.5 mg/dL). 24.75% of the study patients had ALT levels above normal (40 U/L) although high values (>100 U/L) were present only in 5 (4.95%). High AST levels (>40) was found in 34.65% cases. Mean alkaline phosphatase levels in 2 groups were similar (213.96 ± 46.2 vs. 222.75 ± 42.52 U/ L). Serum proteins, INR and alkaline phosphatase did not also show any association with drug intake in our study. Conclusion: Thus screening for liver function abnormalities can be a useful test in diabetic population to prevent future complications.