Association of Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Type 2 Diabetes in Lahore Population

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) are major global public health concerns, with increasing evidence suggesting a biological link through mechanisms like insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. Despite high prevalence rates in Pakistan, particularly in Lahore, limited research has explored this association within local populations, highlighting a significant research gap. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between HCV infection and T2DM in the Lahore population, examining demographic and clinical factors contributing to glycemic disturbances among HCV-positive individuals to inform early detection and management strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, enrolling 138 confirmed HCV-infected patients aged 20–70 years through simple random sampling. Inclusion criteria included confirmed HCV diagnosis; individuals with other chronic liver diseases were excluded. Data collection involved random blood glucose testing, HbA1c measurement via HPLC/immunoassay, and demographic profiling. The primary outcome was the prevalence of T2DM; secondary outcomes included rates of prediabetes and borderline glycemia. Ethical approval was obtained in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square testing for association, considering p ≤ 0.05 significant. Results: The study found that 4.3% of participants were prediabetic and 2.2% had borderline glycemic levels, with a mean HbA1c of 6.2% ± 0.85. A significant association between HCV and T2DM was established (χ² = 5.93, p = 0.0148), with female patients and middle-aged groups showing higher susceptibility, suggesting clinically relevant implications for early metabolic screening in HCV care protocols. Conclusion: Chronic HCV infection is significantly associated with an increased risk of developing T2DM, underlining the need for integrated metabolic monitoring in HCV management strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare burdens, particularly in resource-constrained settings like Pakistan.