Prevalence of elevated hepatic transaminases among Jordanian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Since the extent of elevation of liver transaminases in type 2 diabetics in Jordan and most of the Middle East is unknown, we estimated the prevalence of elevated liver transaminase levels among patients with type 2 diabetes and determined associated risk factors. This study was performed on 1014 consecutive type 2 diabetic outpatients who attended the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics in Amman, Jordan. The patients' age ranged between 26-85 years with a mean age of 56.8 (+9.8). Three- hundred and fifty three (54.5%) were males with a median age of 58 years (ranging between 26-82 years), and four hundred and sixty one (45.5%) were females with a median age of 57 years (ranging between 28-85 years). Body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profile, and hepatic transaminase levels were recorded. Ultraonography was performed in those with elevated alanine transaminase levels. Overall, the prevalence of elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) level was 10.4% (n=105) with the gender-wise prevalence being 12.8% (n=71) in men and 7.4% (n=34) in women. The prevalence of elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) levels was 5.4% (n=56) with the gender-wise prevalence being 5.6% (n=31) in men and 5.4% (n=25) in women.. Only 4.5% (n=44) showed elevated levels of both ALT and AST. Male gender (OR=2.35, CI:1.5-3.8) and high waist circumference (OR=1.9, CI:1.2-3.2) were associated with increased risk of elevated ALT levels. Younger patients had a higher tendency to have elevated ALT compared to those over 65 years (OR=12.4 for patients aged 25-45years, and OR=5.8 for those who were 45-65 years old). Non-insulin use was associated with a high odds ratio for elevated ALT levels (OR=1.7, CI: 1.1-2.9). Elevated ALT and AST levels are found in 10.4% and 5.4% of our type 2 diabetic patients respectively. Male gender, younger age, higher waist circumference; as an indicator of central obesity, as well as non insulin use are independent predictors of elevated liver transaminase levels.