Hepatitis C is a severe viral infection that directly affects the liver and could lead to several serious complications. Since the symptoms observed in hepatitis C are pretty negligible, a person may remain untreated for several years without knowing that they carry the virus. However, during this time, the virus grows and spreads throughout the body and may cause several health problems and complications.

Some of the most common complications that arise from hepatitis C are as follows:

1. Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is the extensive fibrosis or scarring of the liver tissues. Through fibrosis, the soft tissues of the liver are gradually replaced with tough and hard tissues and cause inflammation. Such scarring is also observed in case the patient is an alcoholic and has a fatty liver. Fibrosis or cirrhosis often prevents the liver from functioning normally, interfering with the body’s regular overall health and well-being. This type of scarring cannot be reversed and is usually treated only through a liver transplant.

2. Liver failure
While this complication is rarely observed in people with hepatitis, there are some patients who have been diagnosed with liver failure. Liver failure is when your liver stops functioning properly, which often happens as a result of cirrhosis. If a liver failure occurs over several years, this type of liver failure is called chronic liver failure. Treatment for liver failure also involves a liver transplant.

3. Liver cancer
People suffering from hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis, or liver failure are often at risk of developing cancerous growths in their liver. In the earlier stages, liver cancer does not show any symptoms, due to which it remains undiagnosed for a long time. People with hepatitis C are required to get regular tests done to ensure no cancerous growths are developing in the liver.

4. Hypertension
The liver is responsible for filtering the blood and getting rid of toxins present in the bloodstream. As a result of scarring and liver damage, the tissues cannot function properly, which interferes with the body’s portal circulatory system. As a result of such obstruction, blood from the digestive system to the liver is blocked, causing an elevation in blood pressure. This type of increase in blood pressure is known as portal hypertension and could be really serious if left untreated.

5. Blood and vessel problems
People with hepatitis C may develop several problems associated with the blood and blood vessels. Sometimes, the proteins present in the blood stick together when the temperature is lower, resulting in blockages in the smaller blood vessels. Such blockage is known as cryoglobulinemia. Moreover, hepatitis C may also result in decreased production of white blood cells, increasing the risk of diseases and infection.

6. High blood sugar
In people suffering from hepatitis C, the pancreas releases more insulin, increasing the amount of sugar present in your bloodstream. As a result, people with hepatitis C are often diagnosed with high blood sugar and may also lead to type 2 diabetes.