Does chronic hepatitis B infection have an impact on fasting blood glucose levels and fatty liver development?

Aim: The relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and insulin resistance (IR) appears to be confusing. In this study, the goal was to compare fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels and fatty liver (FL) frequency as a reflection of IR in patients with chronic active HBV infection and to determine whether there is a relationship between liver fibrosis, FBG and FL. Methods: In this case-control study, the study group consisted of 116 chronic HBV patients with HBV DNA levels above 2000 IU/ml. The control group included 120 healthy individuals with matching age, gender, and body mass indexes. Results: There was no difference in FBG levels between the groups (P=0.15), but FL rates were significantly higher in patients with HBV (P=0.01; OR: 2.13, 95% CI 1.26-3.61). Although the FBG levels of groups with regards to severity of fibrosis were similar, there was a significant difference in terms of FL (P=0.07 and P<0.001, respectively). A positive correlation was found between the development of FL and the severity of fibrosis (rs=0.216, P=0.01). Conclusion: While FBG level appears to be unaffected by chronic active HBV infection, the frequency of FL is markedly increased in these patients. Viral factors are likely responsible for the development of FL rather than metabolic factors.