Liver transplantation improves cirrhosis-associated impaired oral glucose tolerance

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-15-2000

Journal

Transplantation

Volume

69

Issue

11

DOI

10.1097/00007890-200006150-00043

Abstract

Background. Thirty-five percent to 80% of cirrhotic patients have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or diabetes mellitus (DM). Diabetic cirrhotics have higher morbidity and mortality than nondiabetics. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to determine whether liver transplantation improves glucose homeostasis in these patients. Method. A total of 26 patients awaiting liver transplantation were evaluated for impaired glucose homeostasis by fasting blood glucose and/or oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT). Five patients underwent transplant surgery within 1 year of OGTT and had a repeat OGTT 3-6 months after transplantation. Results. Sixty-five percent (17/26) of the patients had abnormal glucose homeostasis. Twenty- three percent (6/26) met American Diabetes Association criteria for DM, and another 42.3% (11/26) had IGT. All patients had normal HbA1C levels. After transplantation, the 2-hr blood glucose improved in four patients and the mean 2-hr glucose level was reduced (204±94 vs. 132±53 mg/dl [mean±SD, P=0.051]). Conclusion. Liver transplantation can reverse cirrhosis-associated impaired glucose tolerance.

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