ASSOCIATION OF LIVER ENZYMES WITH INSULIN RESISTANCE IN PREDIABETIC YOUNG ADULT SUBJECTS WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE

Abstract

Background: Insulin resistance had been associated with altered metabolism in prediabetics. This transient insulin resistance causes disturbance in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Liver is the main organ for most of the metabolic reactions. In the current decades the prevalence of NAFLD has been increased in prediabetics and metabolic syndrome patients.

Objective: To study the association of liver enzymes with insulin resistance in prediabetic young adult subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Methods: 100 prediabetic young adult subjects of age 18-35 had been selected via screening. The C-peptide was measured by ELISA methods. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), impaired Glucose tolerance (IGT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) and triglycerides were estimated by Mindray BS-400 fully autoanalyzer. FLI was calculated with the help of GGT, Triglycerides (TG), waist circumference and body mass index (BMI). HOMA-IR was calculated by HOMA2 calculator.  

Results: Prediabetics had elevated liver enzymes on the higher side of normal range. Significant positive correlation was found between GGT, ALT with insulin resistance in these subjects.

Conclusion: Prediabetic subjects have NAFLD and the altered metabolism is responsible for varying degrees of insulin resistance in these subjects. Altered liver enzymes (ALT, GGT) can be used as a marker for diagnosis of prediabetes with NAFLD.

Keywords: Prediabetes, Liver enzymes, GGT, NAFLD, insulin resistance.