Interconnected pathways between liver and glucose molecules, symbolizing Hepatitis C treatment's impact on blood sugar control.

Decoding Diabetes: Can Hepatitis C Treatment Improve Blood Sugar?

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals how treating Hepatitis C with antiviral drugs can lead to better blood sugar control for type 2 diabetes patients."

The link between chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been recognized for decades. If you're living with both conditions, you might be wondering how treatments for one affect the other. Recent research sheds light on the impact of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) on glycemic control in T2DM patients with chronic HCV, particularly genotype 4, which is highly prevalent in Egypt.

A study published in the journal Diabetes & Metabolism explored factors associated with improved glycemic control (IGC) through DAA treatment in Egyptian T2DM patients with chronic HCV genotype 4 infection. The research offers valuable insights into managing both conditions simultaneously.

This article breaks down the study's findings, explaining how DAAs can influence blood sugar levels and what factors might make you more likely to experience improved glycemic control during HCV treatment.

How Hepatitis C Treatment Impacts Blood Sugar: The Key Findings

Interconnected pathways between liver and glucose molecules, symbolizing Hepatitis C treatment's impact on blood sugar control.

The study, conducted in Egypt, involved 460 patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic Hepatitis C genotype 4 infection. 400 patients received DAAs, while the remaining 60 did not and served as a control. Researchers then monitored the participants and divided the DAA group depending on the improvement in glycemic control; Those with improved glycemic control (IGC) and those without (NIGC).

The key outcome? A significant 77.2% of patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) after DAA treatment also experienced improved glycemic control. Here's a closer look at the details:

Improved Glycemic Control (IGC): 292 patients (77.2%) saw a positive change in their blood sugar management after DAA therapy.
Medication Reduction: Within the IGC group, 78 patients (26.7%) were able to decrease their dosage of antidiabetic medications.
Insulin Adjustments: 61 of those patients specifically needed to lower their insulin doses, while 17 reduced their gliclazide (sulfonylurea) dosage.
No Change for Some: The remaining 86 patients (22.8%) and the control group didn't see significant improvement in glycemic control during the study.

The study also revealed factors that seem to play a significant role in whether or not someone experiences better blood sugar control with DAA treatment.

Key Takeaways: What This Means for You

If you have both type 2 diabetes and Hepatitis C, this research offers a hopeful outlook. Eradicating the Hepatitis C virus through DAA treatment might have the added benefit of improving your blood sugar control. However, it's essential to be aware of the factors that can influence this outcome.

The study highlights the importance of close monitoring during and after DAA therapy. Because blood sugar levels could drop, your doctor might need to adjust your diabetes medication, especially if you're taking insulin or sulfonylureas. Don't make any changes to your treatment plan without consulting your healthcare provider.

While this study provides valuable insights, remember that every individual is unique. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of DAAs on diabetes control and to identify all the factors that contribute to improved glycemic control in these patients. Talk to your doctor to determine the best course of action for managing both your diabetes and Hepatitis C.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4093/dmj.2017.41.4.316, Alternate LINK

Title: Factors Associated With Improved Glycemic Control By Direct-Acting Antiviral Agent Treatment In Egyptian Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 4

Subject: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Journal: Diabetes & Metabolism Journal

Publisher: Korean Diabetes Association

Authors: Alaaeldin Abdelsalam Dawood, Mohamed Zakarya Nooh, Ayman Abdelhaleem Elgamal

Published: 2017-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does treating Hepatitis C impact blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes?

The study showed that a significant portion, specifically 77.2%, of type 2 diabetes patients with chronic Hepatitis C genotype 4, experienced improved glycemic control (IGC) after undergoing direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) treatment and achieving sustained virological response (SVR). This means their blood sugar levels were better managed after the Hepatitis C virus was eradicated.

Were patients able to reduce diabetes medication after Hepatitis C treatment?

In the study, certain individuals with both type 2 diabetes and chronic Hepatitis C genotype 4 were able to reduce their reliance on diabetes medications after undergoing direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) treatment for Hepatitis C. Among those who experienced improved glycemic control (IGC), 26.7% were able to decrease their dosage of antidiabetic medications. Specifically, 61 patients needed to lower their insulin doses, while 17 reduced their gliclazide (sulfonylurea) dosage.

Who were the participants in this Hepatitis C and diabetes research?

The study focused on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, specifically genotype 4, which is common in Egypt. It investigated the impact of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) on glycemic control in these patients. The research monitored participants and divided the DAA group depending on the improvement in glycemic control; Those with improved glycemic control (IGC) and those without (NIGC).

What are the broader implications of using Hepatitis C treatments for diabetes management?

The study suggests that eradicating the Hepatitis C virus with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) can have a positive impact on blood sugar levels in individuals with both type 2 diabetes and chronic Hepatitis C, particularly genotype 4. This is evidenced by the high percentage of patients achieving improved glycemic control (IGC) after treatment. This could potentially reduce the need for high doses of antidiabetic medications such as insulin or gliclazide.

What do 'improved glycemic control' and 'sustained virological response' mean in the context of this study?

Improved glycemic control (IGC) was defined as a positive change in blood sugar management after direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy. Sustained virological response (SVR) refers to the eradication of the Hepatitis C virus after treatment. Patients who achieved SVR and experienced IGC were able to manage their blood sugar levels more effectively, with some even reducing their diabetes medication dosages. Not everyone experienced these benefits; 22.8% of patients in the treatment group and the control group did not see significant improvement in glycemic control.