You may have heard about people with hepatitis and/or liver disease also getting diabetes — or vice versa — and wonder why this happens? In observance of National Diabetes month, ADRLF explores this critical connection and shares ways to prevent and manage these co-existing conditions.
Hepatitis B and C have been associated with diabetes. People with diabetes have been found to be at risk for hepatitis B. Such risk is due to their frequent percutaneous exposure to blood from glucose or blood sugar testing (via needles).
As such, the CDC recommends hepatitis B vaccination for all unvaccinated adults with diabetes, 60 years old and below. Unvaccinated people with diabetes who are over 60 years of age are urged to check with their healthcare provider to learn more about any potential risk depending on an individual’s health status.
The link between hepatitis C and diabetes is a bit more complex.
“The connection between hepatitis C and Type 2 diabetes seems to be specific in that the incidence of Type 2 is more closely related to HCV than other types of liver disease,” explained Mandana Khalili, MD, professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco, and chief of clinical hepatology at San Francisco General Hospital, in an article on Diabetes Self-Management.
Of note, diabetes occurs as either type 1, which is caused by a genetic disorder that often shows up early in life, or type 2, which is largely due to poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle. Type 2 diabetes is more common in the United States, and risk factors include diets that are high in carbs and sugar but low in fiber, high alcohol consumption, and low physical activity. Other key risk factors for diabetes are obesity and age. As far as its link with hepatitis C, research has found that people with hepatitis C and diabetes risk factors are 10 times more likely to develop diabetes than those with the same diabetes risk factors, but who don’t have hepatitis C infection.
So, how does hepatitis C affect diabetes and one’s overall health? Simply put, hepatitis C increases the probability of a person developing diabetes. Furthermore, those with hepatitis C who develop diabetes are at a higher risk for advanced liver damage due to complications from what we call insulin resistance.
Let’s break down insulin resistance and its impact on liver health.
When we eat, our body digests and breaks down food into smaller parts including blood sugar or glucose, which travels through our bloodstream to our cells. To make this journey, glucose needs the hormone insulin to move it from the blood into the cells for energy and storage. Insulin also helps protect the body from getting too much glucose.
How does the liver enter the picture?
The liver helps the body in managing glucose. When the body has used the energy it needs, the leftover glucose is then stored in the liver, which acts like a “glucose bank.” The liver later releases glucose when your body needs it—like when you’re sleeping.
However, liver disease impacts the way the liver manages and stores glucose. Research shows that hepatitis C can affect both how much insulin you make and how well it works to control your blood sugar. Liver disease can also lead to insulin resistance, wherein your body is unable to understand the insulin’s signal to move glucose from the bloodstream to the cells. The mixed-up signal also causes the body to create more insulin to try to keep your blood sugar in check. However, over time, your body may not be able to keep up.
Insulin resistance is prevalent among people with hepatitis C, but it usually has no symptoms. Insulin resistance may also make some hepatitis drugs less effective. As such, those with hepatitis or liver disease are encouraged to do a blood test to check for insulin resistance. Healthy eating, exercise, and safe weight loss (in some cases) are also recommended.
This Diabetes Awareness Month, ADRLF invites you to check on your liver and glucose health! Screen. Vaccinate. Don’t hesitate!
To learn more about liver disease, click here.
To explore liver-friendly recipes to help control your blood sugar levels, visit our blog.
