Viral Hepatitis B and Diabetes: The Correlation
July 28, 2019
Diabetes is a medical condition marked by high glucose (or sugar) levels in the blood. It transpires when the body fails to produce enough insulin for controlling blood sugar level. Research on Diabetes attributes a correlation between Diabetes Type II and Hepatitis B. Both the conditions can risk a patients chances to develop Liver cancer.
Going by the report from the World Health Organization (WHO), Diabetes increased to 8.5% in 2014 for adults over the age of 18. Even worrisome, in 2015, around 1.6 million deaths occurred due to Diabetes. Hepatitis B virus can be carried through the blood and other bodily fluids, making it easier to be caught by people who have Diabetes. According to a study, people between the ages of 23 to 59 suffering from Diabetes have 2x the risk of contracting Hepatitis B infection compared to the people who dont have Diabetes. A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that facilities with Diabetic patients have witnessed more Hepatitis outbreaks.
Viral Hepatitis B and Diabetes: Improper Hygiene Could Be A Contributing Factor
Since it is easier for the Hepatitis B infection to be transmitted to Diabetes patients, here are some of the risks that can escalate the virus spread:
- Improper hand hygiene and not wearing gloves
- Sharing of Glucometers between people without following cleaning and disinfecting procedures
- Sharing of same fingerstick device between patients
- Sharing of Insulin pen or syringe
Viral Hepatitis B and Diabetes: Preliminary Assessments
Apart from maintaining proper hygiene of their medical equipment, Diabetics can also lower the risk by following these two procedures.
Get Tested: Diabetic patients can prevent getting viral Hepatitis B infection by following an adequate checkup schedule. They can get a three-part blood test to find if they have contracted Hepatitis B infection or are safe from it.
Get Vaccinated: Diabetic patients must get vaccinated for Hepatitis. It is recommended for patients between the age group of 19 to 59 to get vaccinated to protect themselves against the Hepatitis infection. However, patients above the age of 59 must consult their doctor for vaccination.
Our advice to the patients who have Diabetes is to be careful with their medical equipment. They must never share them with anyone. Also, proper hygiene should be observed, and the equipment should be sterilized timely.
With Inputs By Dr. Vignesh