People who have Hepatitis C might not even think about the possibility of developing insulin resistance, or diabetes. It is generally not an association that people make, yet some studies have found a potential link between the two. Since this is an association that people generally do not make, you might not stay on top of your insulin and blood glucose levels once you are diagnosed with Hepatitis C. We are going to take a closer look at hepatitis C, its effects on the human body, and how it could be a factor that contributes to the development of insulin resistance.
What Is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a type of viral infection. The condition affects the liver in particular, but one of the main issues with Hepatitis C is the fact that it often does not lead to early symptoms. In fact, it can sometimes take well over 10 years before you notice that you have Hepatitis C.
This viral infection affects a large number of people throughout the world. The World Health Organization reports that an estimated 58 million individuals currently live with the condition. Furthermore, they also report that 1.5 million new cases of Hepatitis C are recorded annually. The condition does not only affect adults, with roughly 3.2 million children and teenagers currently infected with the virus that causes Hepatitis C.
When you are affected by Hepatitis C, then the viral infection causes inflammation in your liver. This inflammation can eventually lead to scarring and other complications.
Possible Symptoms Of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C starts in an acute phase, which usually does not cause any symptoms. Once it enters a chronic phase, which usually happens after around six months, patients may start to notice symptoms. The duration it takes before symptoms are experienced largely differs from one patient to the next.
Initial symptoms of Hepatitis C can occur in about 25% of individuals within the first couple of weeks after they contract the symptoms. These may include a temperature that is above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, along with tiredness and a loss of appetite. Some complain about feeling sick and having pain in their abdomen.
When the condition becomes chronic, the following symptoms can gradually develop:
- Consistent tiredness
- Pain in muscles and joints
- Regular mood swings
- Feelings of depression
- The onset of anxiety symptoms
- Itchiness on the skin
- Issues with memory, especially short-term memories
- Regular sessions of brain fog
- Abdominal pain
- Bloated feelings or indigestion
In cases where Hepatitis C is not treated early on, it can lead to cirrhosis. This refers to scarring of the liver, which can lead to problems like jaundice and vomiting blood. Some people with cirrhosis may also find that there is an accumulation of fluid that affects their abdomen or their legs.
The Connection Between Insulin Resistance And Hepatitis C
Several studies have shown that there is a possible connection that exists between Hepatitis C and the risk for insulin resistance. When a person becomes insulin resistant, it means cells are less sensitive to the presence of insulin in their body. Insulin is a hormone that essentially carries glucose into cells throughout the entire body. Cells respond in the presence of insulin – by allowing insulin into the cell, the hormone also delivers glucose that it has bound to. The glucose is then used as a fuel source for energy.
One study explains that as many as 23.6% of people with Hepatitis C also have insulin resistance. This particular study focuses on Hepatitis C patients who have cirrhosis due to viral infection. The researchers also compared this prevalence to patients with Hepatitis B, where 9.4% were insulin resistant.
Several suggestions have been made in terms of the specific pathways by which Hepatitis C may lead to cells in the body becoming resistant to insulin. When a patient has insulin resistance, they are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Another study looked at the tumor necrosis factor-alpha system, also known as the TNF alpha system. Researchers explain that the TNF alpha system plays a role in the inflammation triggers that affects the liver in the presence of a Hepatitis C infection. This particular pathway has previously been associated with a higher risk of insulin resistance. The study concludes that the alterations in TNF alpha system among patients with Hepatitis C might lead to a disruption in the signaling pathways that insulin depends on.
Managing The Risks
Patients with Hepatitis C should be warrier in their blood glucose levels and regularly monitor the efficacy of insulin in their bodies. This can provide an efficient preventative strategy, as changes to normal blood sugar levels could indicate a compilation from Hepatitis C cirrhosis.
Dietary and lifestyle changes in people with Hepatitis C are important, as this could also help with managing the risk of insulin resistance, diabetes, and other metabolic syndromes. Consuming a diet that is lower in carbohydrates may be an effective way to reduce the occurrence of high blood sugar levels. On the other hand, insulin sensitivity also plays a role. Reducing carbohydrate intake when insulin is not properly used by the body could result in the production of ketone bodies. This brings about a new series of risks, as these ketone bodies are produced by the liver.
A good strategy is to talk with a healthcare provider. The professional can offer more details about the severity of Hepatitis C and determine if any cirrhosis is present. They can also develop a management plan and utilize some of the more recent treatments that have proven to be more effective for this viral infection.
Conclusion
Even though the two conditions are generally not associated with each other, researchers have found that Hepatitis C increases the risk of insulin resistance. Without the appropriate treatments in place, insulin resistance can transition to type 2 diabetes. Understanding the link can help people with Hepatitis C keep an eye on their glucose levels and be wary of signs that they are developing insulin resistance. Follow the guidance in this post to help you better understand these conditions.