Pattern of Serum Liver Enzymes in the Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

 The liver plays an important role in the regulation of glucose concentration and metabolism. Diabetic patients develop abnormalities in liver enzymes affecting the liver and its function. A recent study shows the association between liver enzymes and diabetes mellitus (DM) which leads to diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy if left untreated. The aim of the present study was to determine the impairment of liver enzymes in the patients with diabetic individuals compared to non-diabetic individuals.

 This is a cross-sectional study that was carried out at the Star Hospital, Sanepa, Lalitpur, Nepal, from June 2021 to August 2021. A total of 260 participants were included in this study, out of which, 135 were known diabetic cases and 125 were nondiabetic control. Fasting plasma glucose was analyzed with semi-automated analyzer STAT Fax 3300 by GOP-POD method and liver enzymes were analyzed by IFCC method. An Independent T-test was applied. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS version 16.0.

 The prevalence of elevated liver enzymes was significantly higher in diabetic individuals compared to nondiabetic ones. ALT, AST, and ALP were raised by 28.8%, 23.7%, and 48.8%, respectively among the patients with DM. significant increases in AST and ALT was observed in men compared to women, but changes in ALP level was insignificant when compared by gender. A significant elevation of AST and ALP was seen in diabetic patients compared to controls (P<0.05).

 Positive correlation was found between fasting sugar, ALT, AST, and ALP. Similarly, a positive correlation was found between HbA1C and liver enzymes (AST< ALT and ALP).