Raised gamma glutamyl transferase in Nigerian diabetics: possible clinical implications

Serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase levels were measured in 41 Nigerians (24 males and 17 females) aged 15-59 years (mean 41.7 years) with uncomplicated diabetes mellitus and without any previous history or physical findings of liver diseases; and in 41 healthy controls matched with the diabetics for age and sex. Twenty-six diabetics (63.4%) had raised GGT compared to three controls (7.3%). Fifteen diabetics (36.6%) had elevated alkaline phosphatase compared to one control (2.4%). Only three diabetics (7.3%) had elevated transaminase levels. The bilirubin was normal in both the diabetics and controls. The high incidence of raised GGT in the diabetics without physical findings of liver diseases suggest that many Nigerian diabetics may have latent or subclinical liver disorders. Such disorders may play an important role in the aetiology of diabetes in Nigeria or modify the natural history of coexisting diabetes. A common aetiological factor may also be responsible for the coexistence of the liver disorders and diabetes in these patients.