Elevated Liver Function Tests in Type 2 Diabetes

IN BRIEF Individuals with type 2 diabetes have a higher incidence of liver function test abnormalities than individuals who do not have diabetes. Mild chronic elevations of transaminases often reflect underlying insulin resistance. Elevation of transaminases within three times the upper limits of normal is not a contraindication for starting oral antidiabetic or lipid-modifying therapy. In contrast, antidiabetic agents have generally been shown to decrease alanine aminotransferase levels as tighter blood glucose levels are achieved.