HOMA-IR Values and Dysglycaemic Patterns among Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) at a Tertiary Health Centre in Nigeria

Abang IE; Ekpe EL; Uhegbu V; Kooffreh-Ada M; Okwejie M; Uhegbu K; Osuji KC; Kwita KO; Olukoyejo OE; Ademola A; Ekpe EL

Authors

Abang IE Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, University of Calabar, Cross Rivers State
Ekpe EL Department of Mass Communication, University of Calabar, Cross River State
Uhegbu V Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, Cross River State
Kooffreh-Ada M Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, Cross River State
Okwejie M Department of Family Medicine, University of Calabar, Cross River State
Uhegbu K Department of Pediatrics, University of Calabar, Cross River State
Osuji KC Department of Chemical Pathology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
Kwita KO Department of Mass Communication, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
Olukoyejo OE Department of Chemical Pathology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife,Nigeria
Ademola A Department of Chemical Pathology, Federal Teaching Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti,Nigeria
Ekpe EL Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

Keywords:

MASLD, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Prediabetes, Insulin resistance, HOMA-IR, Dysglycaemia

Abstract

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) coexisting with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are increasingly prevalent although the underlying mechanisms remain unlear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T2DM and prediabetes among patients with MASLD and to evaluate the role of insulin resistance in the development of dysglycaemia.

Methodology: This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 109 adult patients with MASLD attending the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital over a 12-month period. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were obtained following informed consent and ethical approval. Fasting plasma glucose and fasting insulin concentrations were measured, and insulin resistance was assessed using the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).

Results: A total of 109 participants were enrolled, comprising 47 (43.1%) males and 62 (56.9%) females, with a mean age of 54.8 ± 7.2 years. Based on ADA criteria, 51 (46.8%) participants had type 2 diabetes mellitus, 19 (17.4%) had prediabetes, and 39 (35.8%) had normal glycaemic status. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus increased with the severity of hepatic steatosis and was highest among participants with grade 3 fatty liver. HOMA-IR values were elevated in all patients with MASLD, with progressively higher values observed among those with prediabetes and highest among those with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes among patients with MASLD attending a tertiary healthcare facility. The findings suggest that insulin resistance is strongly associated with dysglycaemia and may play an important role in the metabolic disturbances associated with MASLD.