Publication:

Evaluation of liver function in acute complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic state (HHS) are the acute complications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The aim was to evaluate the role of liver function parameters in T2DM patients with DKA and HHS.

Methods This descriptive study included 50 subjects in each of the following four groups: non-T2DM, T2DM without acute complications, T2DM with DKA, T2DM with HHS. Data on demography, clinical and lab diagnosis, as well as liver function parameters were collected from May 2017 to October 2017. The baseline data and liver function parameters were compared across the study groups.

Results There was significant hyperglycemia and associated baseline electrolyte, Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) analysis changes in acute complications of T2DM. Besides GGT, the serum total and direct bilirubin levels were also higher in T2DM cases with DKA. Significant levels of hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia along with raised SGPT and ALP levels were seen in acute complications of T2DM, especially in HHS complicating T2DM.

Conclusions Decreased serum albumin levels, along with elevated liver enzymes-SGPT, ALP, and GGT characterized the acute complications of T2DM, with specific alterations of liver function parameters seen in DKA and HHS cases.