Work

Frequency of insulin resistance among non-diabetic patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease using HOMA-IR: an experience of a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global problem strongly interlinked with metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance (IR) is a key factor both in pathogenesis and in the progression to liver fibrosis. This article highlights the frequency of IR in local population. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and associated factors of insulin resistance among non-diabetic patients with NAFLD using HOMA-IR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi. 362 non-diabetic patients diagnosed with NAFLD were divided into two groups: with IR and without IR. Clinical history, physical examination, laboratory tests (fasting lipid profile, fasting glucose, insulin, liver function tests) and abdominal ultrasound with fibroscan for liver steatosis assessment were performed. Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) score of ≥ 238 dB/m was used to define hepatic steatosis and metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on specific clinical and laboratory criteria. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 27. RESULTS: Total 362 patients were enrolled and 51.7% were male patients. 311(85.9%) participants had insulin resistance. Insulin resistance had significant difference for HDL, LDL, FPG, Fasting plasma insulin, and GGT. Male patients are less likely than female patients to exhibit insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is more common in patients with metabolic syndrome than in non-metabolic patients. CONCLUSION: Among non-diabetic patients with NAFLD, insulin resistance was highly prevalent and majority of patients were obese. Both genders were affected with IR.

Source: BMC Gastroenterology

DOI: 10.1186/s12876-025-03790-6

Authors: Lubna Kamani, Moneeba Siddiqui, Adeel Rahat

Institutions: Liaquat National Hospital, Ministry of Health

Language: English

Topic: Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190