Relationship between HHV8 infection markers and insulin sensitivity in ketosis-prone diabetes

Background and objectives Peripheral tissue resistance to insulin action is a characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It has also been reported that some chronic viral infections can contribute to insulin resistance. Human herpesvirus (HHV)-8 infection has been detected in T2DM patients in previous studies. Our study investigated whether the presence of the virus is associated with insulin resistance in patients with ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes (KPD), as reported with other viruses. Research design and methods A total of 11 insulin-free KPD patients positive (+) and seven patients who were negative (−) for HHV-8 infection were recruited; the latter had KPD that was well controlled (HbA_1c = 6.2 ± 0.7%). A two-step euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp test coupled with deuterated [6,6-2H2]glucose was used to assess insulin sensitivity, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) suppression and endogenous glucose production. Results In KPD patients, whether HHV-8+ or HHV-8−, there were no differences in NEFA release, endogenous glucose production or insulin sensitivity (M value). Conclusion Asymptomatic HHV-8 infection does not appear to be associated with decreased insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients. These results should now be confirmed in a larger sample population.