This blog will give you insights into the connection between diabetes and hepatitis C and its management strategies.
The intersection between Diabetes and the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been studied recently. It is a critical area which needs concern. NHANES conducted a cross-sectional study, according to their data that studied diabetic patients, showed a significant prevalence for HCV infection to be higher than those who are non-diabetic patients. This indicated a definite need for delivering targeted health strategies.
The correlation among hepatitis and diabetes reveals a two-directional relationship. This relationship has a great implication for medical research and patient care.
What is the hepatitis C virus?
Hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus. It gets transmitted primarily through getting exposed to small amounts of blood. It poses a significant challenge to public health. Hepatitis C infection is caused by the HCV- Hepatitis C virus. The infection can manifest acutely or as a chronic/long-standing condition. There are certain risk factors for its transmission including needle sharing, sexual contact and inadequate medical equipment sterilisation.
There are non-specific symptoms for the acute phase of HCV infection. This type of infection often goes unnoticed as it is mostly asymptomatic. On the other hand, the chronic infection of HCV is defined by the presence of persistent virus. The virus usually persists for more than six months, which leads to a more serious type of health complications if they are left untreated.
Can Hepatitis C Cause Diabetes?
Some research has found a relationship between diabetes and HCV. In this condition, HCV poses a higher risk of posing diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. In such situations, the body struggles to manage the levels of blood sugar. Diabetes and hepatitis C have synergistic effects on each other. Hepatitis C can increase the incidence of diabetes, and having diabetes can also heighten the incidence of having liver problems from Hepatitis C.
HCV can disbalance the way your body handles insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps cells to take up sugar from the bloodstream, which gives them the energy to work. The interference of the virus makes the body’s cells response to insulin altered. This situation is called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance with time can become serious and can cause Type 2 diabetes. In these situations, the body’s blood sugar levels are too high consistently.
Hepatitis C can induce your body’s immune system to perform against itself. Hepatitis C affects your immune system, which makes it attacks pancreatic cells which produce insulin. This situation can cause Type 1 diabetes, in which your body is not able to produce enough insulin to manage your blood sugar levels.
What Are the Risks for Diabetic Patients With Hepatitis C?
Patients having both diabetes and hepatitis C experience more health challenges than those having either of the condition alone. Some specific health risks are:
- Liver Damage and Liver Cirrhosis
If someone has Diabetes along with Hepatitis C, they are more prone to develop cirrhosis, a condition that can be induced by severe liver tissue scarring. The scarring can result from chronic or long-term liver damage. It worsens due to the coexistence of diabetes. It can accelerate damage progression.
- Increased Risk of Liver Cancer
The coexistence of hepatitis and diabetes can increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Worsened Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance can be increased by hepatitis. In this situation, the body does not respond to insulin properly. This situation is often challenging in diabetes management.
- Increased Risk of Infections
Diabetic patients generally have a greater risk of having infections. If they have hepatitis C also, the liver’s function can be impaired. The immune system or the ability of the body to fight against infections might get weakened.
- Cardiovascular Issues
Hepatitis C and Diabetes, both can increase the incidence of cardiovascular problems including heart disease.
How to manage hepatitis C and diabetes?
Managing diabetes and hepatitis C effectively might involve a proactive approach that focuses on monitoring health and lifestyle adjustments.
- Regular medical consultations
You should keep in touch with healthcare providers. This will ensure that diabetes and hepatitis C are monitored and managed timely.
- Frequent Testing
To track your liver health, get regular blood tests. Tests like blood sugar levels will allow a timely management plan.
- Healthy Diet
Consuming low-processed food and a balanced diet that is high in fibre will help support your liver health. It also helps manage your blood sugar levels.
- Exercise
To improve your insulin levels, you should follow a regular physical activity routine. It also can improve insulin sensitivity and help in maintaining an appropriate BMI. This reduces liver strain.
- Avoid Alcohol
Avoiding alcohol consumption can reduce the stress on your liver, especially in patients having hepatitis C and diabetes.
Health risks are increased due to hepatitis C and diabetes co-existence. Therefore, early testing and medical intervention in necessary for high-risk or at-risk individuals.
