Insulin resistance in euglycemic cirrhosis

Background Insulin resistance (IR) is associated with hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis, regardless of its etiology but the mechanism of hyperinsulinemia in cirrhosis is still unclear. The current study was designed to assess hyperinsulinemia and pancreatic beta-cell function in euglycemic cirrhosis of varied etiology. Methods A cross sectional case control study of 100 subjects. IR was assessed by the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index in euglycemic cirrhosis of varied etiology and in different stages of cirrhosis. HOMA-beta was calculated for insulin secretion ability of pancreatic beta-cells in different stages of cirrhosis. Results Overall IR in euglycemic cirrhosis was seen in 68.5%. IR was seen in the order hepatitis C (100%), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (100%), autoimmune hepatitis (100%), hepatocellular carcinoma (80%), alcoholic liver disease (72%) and hepatitis B (45%). HOMA-IR value was raised in Child Turcotte Pugh (CTP) score > 9 (P value 0.0004) and model of end stage liver disease (MELD) score > 15 (P value 0.02). HOMA-beta was raised in CTP score > 9 (P value 0.02) and MELD score > 15 (P value 0.0003). HOMA-beta level among diabetic controls was 27.1 +/- 7.7 compared to 154.6 +/- 80.7 in euglycemic cases (P value <0.0001). Conclusion IR is common in euglycemic cirrhosis and with advancement of liver disease; there is a compensatory increase in pancreatic beta-cell insulin secretion to overcome the IR. However, over a period of time with fall in beta-cell function development of hepatogenous diabetes may occur.