Background: The term Chronic liver disease (CLD) encompasses a large number of conditions existing on a
continuum between hepatitis infection and cirrhosis. Chronic hepatitis C infection was found to be associated with
diabetes mellitus (DM) with a significantly higher prevalence than the prevalence in the general population.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of glucose abnormalities
among patients with CLD in Alexandria, Egypt.
Methods: Over a period of two years, 264 consecutive patients with CLD referred to the Hepatology and
Gastroenterology Unit, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University were enrolled in the study. Personal,
demographic and medical histories were obtained by interviewing each patient and reviewing his/her records. Clinical
examination for each patient was also performed. Complete blood picture, fasting blood glucose level and lipid
profile, liver profile and imaging were recorded. Serological and/or immunological markers identifying the etiology of
CLD were also recorded.
Results: The prevalence of glucose abnormalities among hepatitis C positive patients was higher than that among
patients with other CLD (39.2% versus 21.7% respectively), with a statistically significant difference. Three
independent risk factors were found to be significantly affecting the prevalence of glucose abnormalities among CLD
patients; namely etiology of liver disease, presence of fatty liver and total cholesterol level.
Conclusion: The present study indicates a high prevalence of DM in patients with CLD in Alexandria. It is therefore
imperative that patients with CLD especially chronic hepatitis C patients be screened periodically for glucose
intolerance.