Abstract:
Aims: The magnitude of abnormal liver enzymes profile in type 2 diabetic patients is unknown in
Algerian west region even though it counts among liver diseases considered as an important cause of
death in type 2 diabetes. The main objective is to assess the prevalence of elevated liver enzymes levels
among patients with type 2 diabetes from Algerian west region and to determine associated risk factors.
Materials and methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was performed on 180 type 2 diabetic patients
in whom anthropometric and biochemical parameters were determined.
Results: Twenty-five patients had abnormal elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) (13.9%) with the
gender-wise prevalence being 15.9% (n = 17) in women and 10.9% (n = 8) in men. The prevalence of
abnormal elevated aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase
level was respectively 10% (n = 18), 6.1% (n = 11) and 8.9% (16). High waist circumference (OR: 5, CI:
1.04–24.04) and high blood pressure (OR: 4.86, CI: 0.94–25.12) were only associated with elevated AST.
Fasting glucose >1.4 g/l were associated both with elevated ALT (OR: 3.03, CI: 0.86–10.67) and AST (OR:
5.7, CI: 1.09–29.8).
Conclusion: A relatively high prevalence of elevated liver enzymes was found in diabetic patients from
west Algeria, especially in female patients.
