Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among persons with hepatitis C virus infection in the United States

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may contribute to the develop ment of diabetes mellitus. This relationship has not been investigated at t he population level, and its biological mechanism remains unknown. Objective: To examine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among persons with HCV infection in a representative sample of the general adult population of the United States. Design: Cross-sectional national survey. Setting: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1 994. Participants: 9841 persons older than 20 years of age for whom data on HCV infection and diabetes were complete. Measurements: The presence of diabetes was ascertained by using American Di abetes Association guidelines based on fasting plasma glucose measurement a nd medication history. Presence of HCV infection was assessed by testing fo r serum HCV-specific antibodies (anti-HCV). Results: of the 9841 persons evaluated, 8.4% had type 2 diabetes and 2.1% w ere anti-HCV positive. Type 2 diabetes occurred more often in persons who w ere older, were nonwhite, had a high body mass index, and had low socioecon omic status. Type 2 diabetes was less common in persons who acknowledged pr evious illicit drug use. After adjustment for these factors, persons 40 yea rs of age or older with HCV infection were more than three times more likel y than those without HCV infection to have type 2 diabetes (adjusted odds r atio, 3.77 [95% CI, 1.80 to 7.87]). None of the 19 persons with type 1 diab etes were anti-HCV positive. Conclusion: In the United States, type 2 diabetes occurs more often in pers ons with HCV infection who are older than 40 years of age.