Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Osogbo, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Type 2 DM has been linked with dyslipideamia and elevation of some liver enzymes, in fact it has been identified as independent risk factor for development of coronary artery disease (CHD). The risk of coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 DM with hepatic involvement was assessed in this study. Method : A total number of 106 type 2 DM subjects with fasting plasma glucose greater than 7mmol/l with associated symptoms of DM, and another 60 aged and BMI matched controls with normal FPG (2.5-5.5mmol/l). The blood levels of Total Cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, TG, AST, ALT, ALP and the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were determined. Body mass index (BMI) was also calculated from the weight and height. Data analysis was done using SPSS (Version 15) Software. Variables were compared between DM subjects and controls, with statistical significance at p ≤0.05. Results : LDL and TC were significantly lower in control than the subject group (2.35±1.15vs 3.09±1.26mmol/l; p<0.05) and (3.98 ±1.24 vs 4.41±1.39mmol/l p< 0.05) respectively. HDL/TC ratio was significantly higher in control than the subjects (0.28±0.13 vs 0.21±0.13mmol/l; p<0.05). Serum level of liver enzymes ALT, AST and ALP analyzed were significantly elevated in subjects than in the control group (12.69±6.75 vs 4.95±2.66 IU/L; p<0.05), (16.96±10.80 vs 7.83 IU/L±3.94; p<0.05) and (70.19±28.78 vs 23±8.77 IU/L; p<0.05) respectively. A weak positive significant correlation between FPG and AST (r=0.268, p<0.05), TC and ALP (r=0.273, p<0.05), LDL and ALP (r=0.301, p<0.05) was observed. However a weak negative significant correlation exist between HDL/TC and ALP (r=0.201, p<0.05). Conclusion : There are evidences of dyslipidaemia and elevated liver enzymes in type 2 DM patients seen in Osogbo, Nigeria.