Liver enzyme abnormalities and their relationship with hyperglycemia in patients treated at the Clinilab Clinical Analysis Laboratory

Abstract

Hyperglycemia acts as a contributing factor to the progressive deterioration of vital organs, including the liver. Insulin, an essential hormone for glucose regulation, plays a key role in hepatic metabolism; its deficiency or ineffectiveness generates an imbalance that leads to inflammation and oxidative stress, resulting in elevated levels of the transaminases AST and ALT. The objective was to determine the alterations in these enzymes and their relationship with hyperglycemia in patients from Clinilab. A hypothetical-deductive method was applied, with a cross-sectional analytical, non-experimental design, and a retrospective study of minimal risk. The study population included 300 adult patients between the ages of 20 and 60, attended between January and December 2024. Of these, 44.5% were male and 55.5% female, with 46.4% falling within the 35 to 50 age range. A significant positive correlation was observed between glucose and AST (ρ = 0.452; p < 0.001), as well as between glucose and ALT (ρ = 0.465; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the association between AST and ALT was even stronger (ρ = 0.849; p < 0.001). These findings indicate that increased blood glucose levels are associated with elevated hepatic enzymes, suggesting possible liver damage in patients with hyperglycemia. Insulin resistance or a secretion deficit promotes the accumulation of free radicals, intensifying oxidative stress. Understanding this relationship is crucial for implementing appropriate preventive or therapeutic strategies in populations with glycemic disorders, in order to avoid hepatological complications. Continuous monitoring is required to prevent further liver damage.