Effect of Glycemic Control on Liver Function Tests in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18267379

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with multisystem involvement, including the liver. Poor glycemic control has been linked to hepatic dysfunction, reflected by abnormalities in liver function tests, even in the absence of overt liver disease. Objective: To evaluate the effect of glycemic control on liver function tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi from December  2024 to May 2025, including 130 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of glycemic control on liver function tests by assessing the relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and biochemical liver parameters. Eligible patients attending routine outpatient or inpatient diabetic care services were evaluated systematically. Results: The mean HbA1c of the study population was 8.4 ± 1.6%. Patients with poor glycemic control showed significantly higher mean levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin compared to those with good control, while serum albumin levels were significantly lower. HbA1c demonstrated a significant positive correlation with liver enzymes and bilirubin and a negative correlation with serum albumin, indicating worsening hepatic function with increasing hyperglycemia. Conclusion: It is concluded that poor glycemic control is significantly associated with deranged liver function tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These findings highlight the importance of optimal glycemic management and routine monitoring of liver function to prevent or detect early hepatic involvement in diabetic patients.