A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF ELEVATED LIVER ENZYMES AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Dr. Shahanaz Akter*, Nowrose Jahan, Dr. Farzana Afroze, Dr. Sumi Dey, Dr. Muhammad Ismail Hasan,
Afsana Akhter

.

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes mellitus represents a significant global health challenge, with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
(T2DM) being particularly prevalent and on the rise, especially in low and middle-income countries. Liver
enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and γ-glutamyltransferase
(GGT), are crucial indicators of liver health and metabolism, with elevated levels often associated with diabetes.
Despite the public health importance of this relationship, there's a dearth of comprehensive research, particularly in
Bangladesh. This study aimed to bridge this gap by evaluating liver enzyme levels and their correlation with
T2DM. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of elevated liver enzymes and their
association with T2DM. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sir Salimullah Medical College
Hospital, Dhaka from May to November 2023. The study included 192 participants with T2DM and an equal
number of control participants without diabetes. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and GGT) were measured, and
statistical analysis was performed using independent t-tests. Results: The study found that persons with Type 2
Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) had significantly higher levels of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine
Aminotransferase (ALT) compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Nevertheless, there was no substantial
disparity in GGT levels seen between the two groups (p = 0.065). Individuals with T2DM had a considerably
higher mean fasting blood glucose level compared to controls (p < 0.001). The liver function test results of the
participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were substantially higher compared to the control group. The
serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was 46.06 ± 22.38 IU/L and the serum aspartate aminotransferase
(AST) level was 42.94 ± 19.08 IU/L, with a p-value of less than 0.001. However, there was no significant
association between the gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) level in both study groups, with a p-value of 0.065.
Conclusion: Elevated levels of AST and ALT are common in individuals with T2DM, indicating potential liver
dysfunction. Liver enzyme testing may serve as a valuable tool in the assessment and management of diabetesrelated
complications.

Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Liver enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT).