Frequency of Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection

Abstract

Introduction: ChronicPatients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have hepatic and extrahepatic complications such as metabolic abnormalities and insulin resistance.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in the multi-center, from October, 2025 to March, 2026. Fifteen patients were enrolled in each of the three clinics, and 150 patients with confirmed chronic HCV infection were enrolled by consecutive sampling. Demographic and clinical data were obtained, and fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured.

Results: Among 150 patients, 86 (57.3%) were male and 64 (42.7%) were female. Of the 36 patients, 24.0% were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and 114 (76.0%) were non-diabetic. The mean fasting glucose and HbA1C were higher in the diabetic patients than in the non-diabetic patients.

Conclusion: Diabetes Almost one-fourth of HCV-infected patients had diabetes mellitus. Comprehensive management of HCV should include routine metabolic screening.