ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF GLYCAEMIC CONTROL ON LIVER FUNCTION IN TYPE 2 DIABETES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF LIVER CHEMISTRIES

Londeka Nontobeko  Ndaba; Ziningi Nobuhle  Jaya; Nokukhanya  Thembane

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i3.1565

Authors

Londeka Nontobeko Ndaba Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban
Ziningi Nobuhle Jaya Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban
Nokukhanya Thembane Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i3.1565

Keywords:

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, liver biomarkers, Glycaemia Control, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Glycated Hemoglobin, Alanine Transaminase, Aspartate Transaminase, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase

Abstract

Objective

This study investigates the relationship between liver biomarkers and glycaemic control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients at King Edward Hospital, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Methods

A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 patients diagnosed with T2DM. Data collected included gender distribution, age range, glycaemic control (HbA1c, fasting glucose, and random glucose), and liver function markers (bilirubin, ALT, AST, and GGT). The study period ranged from June 2023 to December 2023. Patients were evaluated for glycaemic control and liver biomarkers, and statistical analysis was performed to explore correlations between these factors.

Results

The majority of patients (57.5%) were aged 46-65, with an emerging trend of younger patients being diagnosed with T2DM. A significant gender disparity was observed, with females comprising 83.8% of the study population. All participants exhibited HbA1c levels in the diabetic range (≥6.5%), indicating poor glycaemic control. A notable proportion of patients showed elevated liver enzymes: 35.7% had mildly elevated ALT levels, 29.6% had elevated AST levels, and 75.2% had abnormal GGT levels. Positive and significant correlations were found between HbA1c and liver enzymes: HbA1c and ALT (r = 0.43, p < 0.01), HbA1c and AST (r = 0.51, p < 0.01), and HbA1c and GGT (r = 0.61, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that poor glycaemic control is strongly associated with liver dysfunction.

Conclusion

The results indicate a strong association between poor glycaemic control and elevated liver enzymes in T2DM patients, highlighting the need for comprehensive management strategies targeting both glycaemic control and liver health. Regular monitoring of liver biomarkers should be considered to facilitate early detection of liver dysfunction, potentially preventing severe liver-related complications.

Recommendations

Regular liver function monitoring should be integrated into diabetes management, particularly for the early detection of conditions like NAFLD. Improving glycaemic control is crucial to mitigate liver-related complications.

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