There is more data confirming that HCV treatment helps diabetic patients (Hepatology 2014; 59: 1293-1302).

Using a large National Health Insurance Research Database with more than 2.2 million Taiwanese residents diagnosed with diabetes, the authors were able to identiy 1411 HCV-treated patients, 1411 untreated patients, and 5644 uninfected/untreated controls.

Key results:

The risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), ischemic stroke and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were all lower in the HCV-treated patients compared to untreated patients and compared to uninfected/untreated controls:

• 84% reduction in the risk of ESRD
• 47% reduction in the risk of ischemic stroke
• 36% reduction in the risk of ACS

Why does HCV treatment reduce these diabetic complications? While the mechanisms have not been fully elucidated, it is “most likely mediated via viral clearance” which subsequently improves insulin resistance.

While this study has several limitations inherent to a study using a database, the design took efforts to minimize bias and confounding.