Clearance of HCV by Combination Therapy of Pegylated Interferon α-2a and Ribavirin Improves Insulin Resistance

infection is associated with a higher risk of the devel-opment of insulin resistance. If HCV is a causal factor for insulin resistance, then clearance of HCV might decrease insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of clearance of HCV on in-sulin resistance. Methods: We analyzed 28 patients with HCV infection who received combination treat-ment of 180 μg of pegylated interferon α-2a and rib-avirin at our institution from May 2004 to November 2006. Insulin resistance was calculated according to the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resist-ance (HOMA-IR) method. Results: Twenty-two patients (78.6%) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR), where the fasting plasma glucose level significantly decreased after antiviral treatment. Fasting serum in