Relationship between HCV infection and Insulin resistance in non-obese non diabetic patients

Background: Hepatitis C is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality and represents a major public health problem in Egypt and worldwide. There is growing evidence as regard to the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the mutual link and related virological implication have not been fully clarified. Insulin resistance (IR) plays a primary role in the development of type 2 DM. This is supported by the results of prospective longitudinal studies showing that IR is the best predictor of the development of type 2 DM, preceding its onset by 10-20 years. Aim: To assess the correlation between HCV morbidity and Insulin resistance (IR) detected by HOMA test in none diabetic none obese HCV patients Materials & Method: The study participants were subcategorized into two groups,Group (I): included 867 healthy subjects (negative HCV RNA) as a control group. Group (II): included 277 patients with chronic HCV as a study group. The 2 groups were subjected to thorough history taking, full clinical examination, Anthropometric study,ultrasonographic examination and laboratory investigations including liver functions, viral markers, and qualitative PCR for HCV RNA ,lipid profile, glucose profile and HOMA test . Results: This study revealed higher insulin resistance in the HCV study group than the control group.