Efficacy of sitagliptin on liver function in patients with diabetes and chronic viral hepatitis B

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with chronic hepatitis B. Methods: We retrospectively collected 528 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with chronic hepatitis B. They were divided into two groups: the sitagliptin group and the control group. The patient's general data, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, total bilirubin (TBil) values, hypoglycemia, and other adverse events were recorded. Results: Compared with those in the control group, the blood ALT, AST, and TBil values decreased significantly after sitagliptin treatment, and the HbA1c values and insulin doses in the sitagliptin group decreased significantly at week 12 (p < 0.05). In addition, compared with those in the control group, the HbA1c values and insulin doses decreased significantly in the sitagliptin group at week 12 (p < 0.05). There were also no statistically significant differences in adverse events, such as nausea, dizziness, and rash, between the two groups. Conclusions: In patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic hepatitis B, insulin and sitagliptin could effectively control blood glucose and reduce insulin dosage without further impairing liver function with the administration of antiviral and hepatoprotective drugs that stabilize liver function.