Abstract
- We conducted a literature search to determine the prognostic effect of diabetes in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. We also searched for evidence on diagnosis and treatment of diabetes in these patients.- Insulin resistance occurs in obese patients with cirrhosis due to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, but also develops in patients with alcoholic or viral cirrhosis. Eventually, 20-40% of patients with cirrhosis have manifest diabetes mellitus.- Diabetes mellitus may accelerate progression of liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and may lead to higher mortality rates among cirrhosis patients, largely due to infections and liver failure.- Treatment of diabetes in patients with chronic liver disease can theoretically improve survival.- In treating such patients, doctors should take into account the reduced clearance of insulin and oral antidiabetic agents in the liver.
| Original language | English |
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| Pages (from-to) | A2213 |
| Journal | Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde |
| Volume | 155 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2011 |