Glucose metabolism in chronic hepatitis B infection-acute insulin response and glucose disappearance rate to intravenous glucose.

Shin, Chan Soo; Park, Kyoung Soo; Kim, Seong Yeon; Lee, Hong Kyu; Koh, Chang Soon; Kim, Young Bae

Original Article

Journal of Korean Endocrine Society 1997;12(2):275-282.
Published online January 1, 2001.

Glucose metabolism in chronic hepatitis B infection-acute insulin response and glucose disappearance rate to intravenous glucose.

Chan Soo Shin, Kyoung Soo Park, Seong Yeon Kim, Hong Kyu Lee, Chang Soon Koh, Young Bae Kim

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Glucose intolerance and diabetes mellitus are frequently observed in chronic liver disease. However, the causal relationships between these two are difficult to prove. Chronic hepatitis B infection, which is prevalent in Korea, is thought to be a good model to study the natural history of abnormal glucose metabolism in chronic liver disease because many patients with chronic hepatitis B infection eventually progress to liver cirrhosis. METHODS: In order to evaluate glucose metabolism in chronic hepatitis B infection, we did intravenous glucose tolerance test in patients with chronic hepatitis B and age, sex and body mass index matched controls and compared the first phase insulin response and glucose disappearance rates between 2 groups. RESULTS: Patients with chronic hepatitis B showed lower glucose disappearance rate and higher plasma insulin and C-peptide area (0-10min after iv glucose) than controls. Patients with decreased glucose disappearance rate had higher AST level and decreased plasma C-peptide area (0-10min). CONCLUSION: Most of the patients with chronic hepatits B infection is associated with insulin resistance and compensatory increase in the first phase insulin secretion. Inadequate insulin secretion may contribute to decreased glucose disappearance rate in these patients.

Key Words: Chronic hepatitis B, Intravenous glucose, Insulin resistance, Insulin secretion