Background: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of chronic liver–related morbidity and mortality and is commonly associated with metabolic disturbances that adversely affect patient outcomes. Alterations in glucose metabolism and electrolyte balance are frequently encountered in patients with ALD and contribute to disease progression and the development of serious complications. This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between blood glucose levels and serum electrolyte abnormalities in patients with alcoholic liver disease.
Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Telangana, India, over a six-month period. Medical records of 400 patients diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease were reviewed. Demographic details, disease severity, random blood glucose levels and serum electrolyte parameters including sodium, potassium and chloride were analyzed before and after inpatient management. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0 and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The study revealed significantly elevated baseline glucose levels along with deranged electrolyte values in the majority of patients. Inpatient management resulted in marked improvement in glycemic control and correction of electrolyte abnormalities. Baseline GRBS showed a significant inverse correlation with serum sodium (r = −0.38, p = 0.006), potassium (r = −0.34, p = 0.024), and chloride (r = −0.31, p = 0.032), indicating a close metabolic interaction between these parameters. More pronounced metabolic derangements were noted in patients with moderate to severe liver disease based on Child-Pugh and MELD scores.
Conclusion: These findings highlight a clinically meaningful metabolic interaction between hyperglycemia and electrolyte imbalance in alcohol-associated liver disease. The observed inverse correlations, particularly in moderate-to-severe disease categories, suggest that metabolic monitoring should extend beyond isolated parameter correction toward integrated biochemical assessment. Early recognition and targeted correction of these disturbances may contribute to improved inpatient stabilization and potentially better short-term outcomes.
Keywords: Blood glucose, Electrolytes, Metabolic abnormalities, Child Pugh, MELD score
How to cite this article: Sheshi M, Jyoshna K, Pallavi P, Kumar C P, Teja M K, Velede S. Glycemic–Electrolyte Interplay in Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: A Severity-Stratified Retrospective Analysis Using Child–Pugh and Meld Scores in an Indian Inpatient Cohort. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(4s): 293-302. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.2s.36