Hepatitis B and glucose metabolism : a systematic review

Abstract

Background/Aim: Hepatitis C virus infection is a known risk factor of impaired glucose metabolism and diabetes mellitus. Whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is also associated with impaired glucose tolerance remains uncertain. The aim of the study was to conduct a systematic review on the association between HBV infection and impaired glucose metabolism Methods: Studies reporting the association between HBV infection and markers of impaired glucose metabolism were identified through keyword search in PubMed and Google Scholar. 10 studies (out of 320) were included in this systematic review. Results were included. Majority (n=7) of the included studies were conducted among the Asian populations. Of the 10 included studies, eight studies reported a significant association between HBV infection and impaired glucose metabolism, proxied by impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndromes. The remaining two studies using diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance as outcome measures did not find a positive association with HBV infection. Conclusions: The association between HBV and impaired glucose metabolism is suggestive from the evidence compiled from included articles. However, whether the development of glucose intolerance or diabetes mellitus is linked to an infectious cause of HBV is still inconclusive. Further studies that could improve on the current understanding of the associations between HBV infection and impaired glucose metabolism are necessary.