Glycogenic Hepatopathy as the Etiology of Abnormal Liver Chemistries in an Uncontrolled Type I Diabetic Patient

Cureus. 2021 Nov 19;13(11):e19755. doi: 10.7759/cureus.19755. eCollection 2021 Nov.

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in diabetics. However, it is not the sole cause of chronic liver disease in diabetics. We present a case of an 18-year-old male with poorly controlled type I diabetes mellitus who presented for evaluation of asymptomatic elevated liver chemistries. An extensive autoimmune, metabolic, and infectious workup was unrevealing. Liver biopsy was consistent with glycogenic hepatopathy without evidence of steatosis or fibrosis. Increased glycemic control led to his liver enzymes trending down. In conclusion, glycogenic hepatopathy should be considered in poorly controlled type 1 diabetics with elevated liver chemistries.

Keywords: abnormal liver chemistries; adolescent diabetes; elevated liver transaminases; glycogenic hepatopathy; type i diabetes mellitus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports