Estimation of Serum Aminotransferases in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health problem affecting millions of peoples. It is mostly considered as a metabolic disease but now its link with liver dysfunction is also getting importance. Liver enzymes such as Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are important indicators of hepatic function and may get elevated in diabetic patients due to insulin resistance, fat accumulation or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

This cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate serum aminotransferase levels in type 2 diabetic patients and compare it with healthy non-diabetic individuals. 100 subjects were included, 50 with known type 2 diabetes and 50 age-matched healthy controls. Blood samples were collected after overnight fasting and ALT and AST levels were estimated using standard enzymatic method.

Results shows that the mean ALT and AST levels were significantly higher in diabetic group (ALT = 48.2 ± 12.5 U/L, AST = 39.6 ± 9.2 U/L) compared to control group (ALT = 29.3 ± 8.7 U/L, AST = 25.4 ± 7.6 U/L), p<0.01. Also, 28% of diabetic patients had ALT above normal range, suggesting possible subclinical liver involvement.

This study suggest that liver enzymes are elevated in many diabetic patients even when there is no clinical liver disease. Routine monitoring of aminotransferases in type 2 diabetics may help in early detection of liver complications like NAFLD or steatohepatitis. However, more detailed studies with liver imaging and insulin resistance index should be done to establish strong association. Early detection of liver dysfunction in diabetes may help in better management and prevent complications.

Keywords: T2DM, Aminotransferase, Nondiabetic, NAFLD, ALT, AST