[Diabetes in liver cirrhosis]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Hepatology
• Metabolic disorders

Context:

• Liver cirrhosis is frequently associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), affecting up to 30% overtly and 90% with impaired glucose tolerance.
• The relationship between DM and cirrhosis is bidirectional, with Type 2 DM potentially causing cirrhosis and DM being a complication of liver disease, termed 'hepatogenous diabetes'.
• Both overt and subclinical DM correlate with increased liver complications and mortality in cirrhotic individuals.

Purpose:

• To highlight the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus in liver cirrhosis.
• To underscore the challenges in treating diabetes in cirrhotic patients due to metabolic disturbances.
• To identify the knowledge gap regarding the impact of glycemic control on liver disease progression.

Summary:

• Diabetes mellitus (DM) is highly prevalent in liver cirrhosis, with impaired glucose tolerance observed in 90% of patients.
• Hepatogenous diabetes, a form of DM secondary to cirrhosis, presents significant treatment challenges due to metabolic impairments.
• The association of DM with liver complications and mortality, and the unknown effects of glycemic control on liver disease, are critical concerns.

Impact:

• Informs clinicians about the high comorbidity of DM in liver cirrhosis.
• Underscores the need for research into effective diabetes management strategies for cirrhotic patients.
• Emphasizes the potential link between glycemic control and liver disease outcomes, warranting further investigation.