Abstract
The frequency of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with underlying nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is increasing, and insulin resistance due to underlying obesity and diabetes is suspected of playing a role in hepatic carcinogenesis. This study divided 80 patients with type 2 diabetes and coexisting chronic liver disease into patients with HCC (n=36) and without HCC (n=44) , then compared insulin resistance and frequency of use of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents (insulin secretion-stimulating drugs, and metformin) . Fasting serum insulin was 14.5±5.5 μU/ml in the HCC group and 8.65±5.0 μU/ml in the non-HCC group. The homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index was 4.34±1.74 in the HCC group and 2.53±1.21 in the non-HCC group. In both cases, values were significantly higher in the HCC group (P<0.05) . In addition, the frequency of metformin use was significantly lower in the HCC group than in the non-HCC group. This suggests that treatment of insulin resistance with metformin may reduce the incidence of HCC.
