Disorders of glucose metabolism in the context of human immunodeficiency virus infection

Abstract

To discuss the pathophysiology and the current treatment approaches for the dysregulation of glucose metabolism in the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Selected research, clinical studies, clinical guidelines, and review articles. In HIV infection, multiple factors are associated with the pathogenesis of glucose dysregulation. Studies suggest that protease inhibitors, a class of antiretroviral agent, as well as viral factors, lipodystrophy, hepatitis C infection, injection drug use, and second-generation antipsychotics have been implicated in the development of glucose disorders and diabetes. Current treatment recommendations are based on extrapolated data from non-HIV diabetic patients. More research is needed to establish the most appropriate management for the disorders of glucose metabolism in the context of HIV infection. If left untreated, patients are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and complications associated with untreated diabetes.