Liver Enzymes Concentrations Are Closely Related to Pre-diabetes: Findings of the Shanghai Diabetes Study II (SHDS II)

Objective To investigate the relationship of liver enzymes with hyperglycemia in a large population in Shanghai and identify the association between liver enzymes and insulin resistance. Methods A total of 3 756 participants were enrolled. Each participant underwent an oral glucose tolerance test and completed a questionnaire. Anthropometric indices were recorded and serum samples were collected for measurement. Results Liver enzymes concentrations were independently associated with i-IGT, IFG+IGT, and diabetes. With the increase of ALT and GGT concentrations, ORs for i-IGT, IFG+IGT, and diabetes increased gradually. By comparing patients in the highest quartile of GGT concentrations or ALT concentrations with those in the lowest quartile (Q1), ORs for i-IGT, IFG+IGT, or diabetes was significant after adjustment. Both ALT and GGT concentrations were linearly correlated with HOMA-IR and independently associated with HOMA-IR [ALT OR (95% CI): 2.56 (1.51-4.34) P=0.00; GGT OR (95% CI): 2.66 (1.53-4.65) P=0.00]. Conclusion Serum ALT and GGT concentrations were closely related to pre-diabetes and diabetes in the Shanghai population and positively associated with insulin resistance.