How Can Diabetes Increase The Risk Of Fatty Liver Disease?

The most globally prevalent chronic liver disease is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with a high prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is probably due to the condition’s high prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance. 

Fatty liver disease is more likely to occur if you have diabetes. Even if you drink little to no alcohol while you have this condition, fat accumulates in your liver. It affects at least half of those with type 2 diabetes.  

Can Diabetes Contribute To the Risk Of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

NAFLD is linked to a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Chronic fatty liver disease results from an accumulation of excessive lipids in liver cells that develop for reasons other than excessive alcohol consumption, which results in another type of liver disease. While the liver naturally contains some fat, a problem is referred to as chronic fatty liver disease when the accumulation of fat exceeds 5–10% of the weight of the liver.

In the context of pre-diabetes or overt diabetes, higher glucose levels provide additional substrate for triglyceride production. Hepatic fat formation is further aided by poor very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion, which frequently results from insulin resistance. 

The main factors contributing to fatty liver disease among people with diabetes include-

• Obesity or being overweight is the primary cause of NAFLD in patients with diabetes.
• NAFLD development is also linked to high fructose consumption.
• Those with excessive cholesterol and blood pressure are also more likely to develop NAFLD.

What Are The Symptoms Of Fatty Liver Disease?

Symptoms of fatty liver disease are uncommon. But, it increases your risk of getting cirrhosis, a disorder that causes liver scarring or swelling. Also, it raises your chance of renal disease, heart disease, and liver cancer. Advanced liver disease symptoms include nausea, weight loss, reduced appetite, swelling abdomen and legs, yellowing of the skin and eye whites, muscle weakness, and acute exhaustion. 

How Can People With Diabetes Protect Themselves From Fatty Liver Disease?

People with diabetes can avoid the risk of fatty liver disease by following these recommendations-

• Manage your blood sugar by working with your medical team.
• If you need to lose weight, do it, and make an effort to maintain it.
• Take some action to lower your blood pressure.
• Maintain appropriate levels of “bad” cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and blood fat, also known as triglycerides.
• Avoid consuming too much alcohol.

Read More – Is Homoeopathy Recommended For People With Diabetes?

Can You Reverse Fatty Liver Disease If You Are A Person With Type 2 Diabetes?

The NAFLD cannot be reversed by medicine. But with specific lifestyle choices, you can help limit its progression and, in some circumstances, reverse its effects. They consist of – maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a healthy and balanced diet, improving your level of exercise and controlling your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

When you are initially diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor could advise having an ultrasound of your liver. Don’t ignore a NAFLD diagnosis from your doctor. Accepting the urgency of treating fatty liver disease in order to prevent its progression to its most severe stage, known as NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), is crucial.

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