Hepatitis C virus infection and type 2 diabetes

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are two worldwide, major public health problems with increasing complication and mortality rates. Many epidemiological studies have demonstrated the significant association between T2DM and chronic HCV infection. In this paper we have reviewed the increasing evidence linking HCV infection and DM in more than one field (epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical aspects, prevention and treatment). We have considered T2DM, acute and chronic HCV infection, and cirrhotic patients. Moreover, we have considered some particular populations, solid organ transplant recipients or HCV/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfected patients. In the final part we have analyzed the potential effect of the association between HCV infection and the development of DM in term of outcome and possibilities for prevention and treatment.