Frequency of B and C Hepatitis Viruses, and Metabolic Profile in Type 2 Diabetics: A Case of the Yaoundé Central Hospital, Cameroon

Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes alters the immune system, increasing the risk of susceptibility to viral infections such as hepatitis B and C infections. This study aimed to determine the frequency of hepatitis B and C and metabolic profiles in type 2 diabetics. This was a cross-sectional study conducted over six months. It was conducted at the National Obesity Center (NOC) of the Yaoundé Central Hospital (YCH), Cameroon. 100 diabetic patients, with a mean age of 58.41 ± 10.74 years were enrolled in the study. The socio-demographic characteristics of the study population and the risk factors for virus transmission were recorded using a pre-established questionnaire. HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies were revealed by a rapid diagnostic test. Liver function markers’ activities were determined. Commercial kits were used to evaluate the patient’s serum lipid profile, serum fasting glucose level, urea, creatinine, and albumin. With a sex ratio of 3:1, women outnumbered men. Risk factors for HCV and HBV infections evocated by the population were dental care (50%), followed by alcohol consumption (41%). HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies frequency was 3% and 8% respectively. No cases of coinfection were found. In general, hypertriglyceridemia with a mean of 1.61 ± 0.46 g/L and hyperglycemia of 1.35 ± 0.45 g/L were noted. A significant difference (p = 0.028) was found in HDL-cholesterol values between non-co-affected diabetics and HCV+ diabetics. The effect of the duration of diabetes on biochemical parameters revealed that albumin was the only significant decrease over time (p = 0.013). Based on these results, the metabolic profile of patients was altered. It is important to take note of the prevalence of hepatitis seen in type 2 diabetes mellitus since it demonstrates the potential link between both illnesses. Thus, early detection could prevent complications related to B and C hepatitis infections in type 2 diabetics.