Diabetes mellitus bei Patient:innen mit Leberzirrhose – eine besondere therapeutische Herausforderung

Therapy of diabetes mellitus in patients with concomitant liver cirrhosis is a special challenge. The liver is a key player in glucose homeostasis. Therefore, disturbances of hepatic metabolism are often accompanied by disorders in glucose metabolism. Depending on the stage of the disease, either pronounced insulin resistance or severe risk of hypoglycemia might accompany liver cirrhosis. The causes are multifactorial and comprise hepatic as well as systemic changes. Limited usability of antidiabetic medication and frequent necessity of insulin usage play an important role, also. Additionally, glycemic control has major impact on development and progression of many hepatic disorders including liver cirrhosis. Therefore, good glycemic control, especially in patients with liver disease, is of major importance.