Chronic Hepatitis C and Insulin Resistance

Understanding the Relationship Between Insulin Resistance and Chronic Hepatitis C Infection

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is among the commonest chronic infectious disease in Australia with >200,000 exposed persons. Amongst non-infectious chronic conditions- Type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease are extremely common. This study will examine the relationship between insulin resistance, fat deposition in the liver, muscle and abdomen, and liver injury due to CHC

Inclusion Criteria:

• Caucasian male
• Age: 25-55 years
• Chronic Hepatitis C (PCR positive) and fibrosis ≤ F2 (if liver biopsy done)
• Genotypes 1 or 3
• Due to commence antiviral therapy
• BMI < 30

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cirrhosis or F3 fibrosis on liver biopsy (if done)
• > 20 g ETOH per day
• Type 2 Diabetes (need an OGTT if fasting BGL> 5.7)
• Concurrent HIV
• Other cause of liver disease