Hepatitis C virus infection among diabetic patients in Al-Anbar Governorate

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Many workers described the prevalence of anti-HCV among selected populations in Iraq. No study among diabetic patients was reported. Objective: This study was carried out to study the prevalence of HCV infection among diabetics in Ai-Anbar governorate.Materials & Methods: A total of 280 diabetics together with 230 apparently "healthy" subjects were included in this study. A questionnaire form was filled for each diabetic and "healthy" subject. The data requested included demographic data, type of diabetes, and risk factors for exposure to HCV. All participants were screened for anti-HCV.Results: A significant higher rate of anti-HCV among diabetics (4.6%) was observed than controls (0.8%). Anti-HCV rate was significantly higher among type 2 diabetic patients (6.3%) than type 1 diabetic patient (1.8%). Type 2 diabetic patients with a history of blood transfusion, surgical intervention, frequent hospitalization and frequent injections had significantly higher rate of anti-HCV when compared with those with out such risk factors.Conclusion: A significant relationship between HCV infection and type 2 diabetes was suggested by this study. Larger prospective studies should include persons at a high risk of both HCV and type 2 diabetes to establish the relationship between these two conditions.