Skip to main content

Health shots

People with type 2 diabetes can’t take diabetes management lightly as there are risks of developing heart disease, foot problems, eye and kidney diseases. You can add hepatitis B to the list too as there are several studies that show a strong link between hepatitis B and type 2 diabetes. For instance, according to a 2015 research published by the National Library of Medicine, people with Hepatitis B virus infection are at higher risk of developing diabetes compared to uninfected ones. It also showed that hepatitis B might be a potential risk factor for development of diabetes. So, on World Hepatitis Day 2023, which falls on July 28 every year, let’s find out whether hepatitis B can cause diabetes.

Health Shots connected with Dr Akash Shukla, Director and Consultant-Hepatology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai to explore the possible connection between hepatitis and diabetes.

World Hepatitis Day
Hepatitis B virus attacks the liver. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a virus which infects children at a very young age and then remains in the liver for a long period of time. The virus mostly gets transmitted from mother to baby during birth. It can also be transmitted through unsafe injections and contact with blood or other body fluids while having sex with an infected partner. According to World Health Organization, in 2019, nearly 300 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B infection.

Types of hepatitis

Hepatitis is of several types, the most common being waterborne ones like Hepatitis A and hepatitis E, and blood-borne hepatitis like hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Hepatitis D is a virus which is seen more in the Middle-east and the Europe and has not been reported from India, says the expert.

Is Hepatitis B related to diabetes?

Hepatitis B by itself cannot cause cannot cause diabetes. In fact, with diabetes, hepatitis B is not the most common type that is reported, says Dr Shukla. Backing his opinion is a 2019 research that was published by National Library of Medicine. It showed that in a meta analysis of several studies, the prevalence of diabetes was higher in people with hepatitis B. It was found that a major contribution of this was because people who participated in the studies had cirrhosis. Those with higher viral load were those who have other diseases than cirrhosis and fibrosis, and so, people who have cirrhosis are already at risk of developing insulin resistance and diabetes. Even though in the study it was found that the prevalence of diabetes was higher in people with hepatitis B, no direct mechanism by which Hepatitis B can cause diabetes was seen.

Dr Shukla says that hepatitis C, on the other hand, predisposes a person to diabetes. With hepatitis C, especially the genotype three, it causes deposition of fat in the liver, which is basically fatty liver. It also causes development of insulin resistance directly and so, it might increase chances of having diabetes.

Diabetes check
Hepatitis and diabetes may have a link. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Tips for people living with diabetes and hepatitis

To manage diabetes, there is a need to create a healthy eating plan. If you have both hepatitis and diabetes, you need to be more careful. Here’s what you should do:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Control sugar intake.
• Control your cholesterol.
• Control blood pressure.
• Manage your weight.
• Be under constant surveillance for hepatitis and take appropriate therapies.

With these tips, hepatitis and diabetes management can be easier for you.

The post World Hepatitis Day 2023: Is hepatitis B related to diabetes? appeared first on Healthshots.



from | HealthShots https://ift.tt/Yf8MG9t
via IFTTT

Popular posts from this blog

Health shots

When you want instant boiling water for tea or coffee, an electric kettle can make it quick and easy. An electric kettle is a useful kitchen equipment that rapidly and efficiently boils water. It typically comprises a container with an electrically powered heating element. Electric kettles have various advantages over traditional stovetop kettles, such as faster boiling periods, automatic shut-off functions, and precise temperature control. They come in various sizes, designs, and materials, including stainless steel and glass. Electric kettles are multifunctional and can be used for more than just boiling water, such as brewing tea, coffee, instant noodles, and soup. Here are some of the best electric kettles hand-picked for you! 6 best electric kettles for hot water Check out the best electric kettle for a hassle-free hot water solution. 1. Pigeon Electric Kettle This electric kettle from Pigeon comes with a stainless steel body and a 1.5-liter capacity. This 1500W electric kettl...

Health shots

An itchy scalp is a common hair problem. I have dandruff, which is probably why I experience an itchy feeling most of the time. It is very bothersome, especially because it may lead to scalp odour, and hair damage. Also, persistent humidity might create an environment that promotes fungal or bacterial diseases. Use azadirachta indica or neem for itchy scalp, says my mom. She believes that since neem is rich in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, it can help treat a variety of scalp infections. When I used it, it helped reduce inflammation on the scalp. What are the causes of itchy scalp? An itchy scalp can be caused by several factors, including common irritants and underlying medical issues. Here are a few common culprits – 1. Dandruff Dandruff can lead to itchy scalp, but does not give the red or inflamed appearance. It can happen in oily areas of your body, like your scalp, face, or chest, as per a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermato...

Health shots

Have you ever felt sick to your stomach which makes you throw up? If yes, you might have been feeling nauseous. Nausea is an unpleasant sensation that is often accompanied by vomiting. Nausea is not an illness, but a symptom. It can be a symptom of various medical conditions and is usually not risky. It can also be managed at home with simple home remedies. While seeking professional help is the best option, you can also try some home remedies for nausea that can help avoid puking. Plus, they are affordable and provide numerous benefits. What is nausea? Nausea is a vomiting sensation that causes discomfort and unease, accompanied by vomiting and even stomach cramps, as found in Medicine Plus Journal. Some people experience it when travelling long distances on the road and some even experience it due to allergic reactions to certain food groups. Also, when you are pregnant the nausea feeling can happen during your first trimester. Causes of nausea “When the downward moving wind prin...