Fatty liver disease has proven to be a major health problem worldwide. Interest in the relationship between diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and fatty liver disease is currently increasing worldwide, where the prevalence of DM is very high. Fatty liver disease is characterized by excessive accumulation of fat within liver cells. Generally, it is classified into two types: alcoholic fatty liver disease (abbreviated as AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (abbreviated as NAFLD). The latter is deeply relevant to diabetic patients as it is directly associated with metabolic syndromes such as diabetes and obesity.
In particular, T2DM is a major risk factor for the development of NAFLD. This pathophysiology includes insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Insulin resistance, a hallmark of T2DM, results in increased lipolysis and increased influx of free fatty acids into the liver, thereby exacerbating hepatic steatosis. Many studies have been conducted to establish the prevalence of fatty liver in diabetic patients. Therefore, these high prevalences prove that NAFLD occurs very frequently in diabetic patients. Other risk factors that have been identified as contributing to this include similar genetic predisposition, dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle, and increased incidence of obesity.
NAFLD can progress to more severe liver diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality. Managing NAFLD and diabetes complications can be costly and burden patients and healthcare systems. An integrated approach to care for the dual burden of both diabetes and NAFLD is needed. Healthcare providers need to monitor the liver health of patients with diabetes and devise early intervention strategies.
Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, regular exercise, and proper diet can significantly reduce the risk of developing NAFLD in people with diabetes. Several drugs, particularly insulin sensitizers and lipid-lowering drugs such as metformin, can help manage both diabetes and NAFLD. Regular screening for NAFLD in all diabetic patients should be introduced as a standard treatment protocol to ensure early diagnosis and management.
The incidence of fatty liver disease in diabetic patients is very high and represents a major public health challenge. In the face of the rising prevalence of diabetes, it has become critically important to adopt a holistic approach, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and regular screening, in the management and mitigation of fatty liver disease. I am. Increasing awareness and timely intervention can save patients’ lives and reduce the health burden resulting from this comorbidity. The high prevalence of NAFLD in diabetes highlights a significant public health challenge that requires urgent attention. Furthermore, the close relationship between T2DM and NAFLD through factors such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and lifestyle changes indicates the need for comprehensive management strategies that extend to prevention. These differ between urban and rural areas and reflect differences in lifestyle and dietary patterns. Therefore, there is a need to have a population-specific approach to diverse populations.
It is important to have an integrated care model to combat the double burden, including regular monitoring of liver health in people with diabetes, early intervention strategies, and lifestyle modifications by improving diet and increasing physical activity levels. It’s important. Both conditions share several pharmacological interventions, such as insulin sensitizers and lipid-lowering drugs. Regular screening for NAFLD could potentially be incorporated into standard diabetes treatment to ensure early detection and treatment before progression to more severe liver disease.
Undoubtedly, increased awareness and proactive action will significantly reduce the morbidity and economic burden associated with this comorbidity. Focusing on the challenges of diabetes and NAFLD will lead to better patient outcomes, reduce pressure on health care systems, and promote the prevention, early diagnosis necessary to improve health outcomes and reduce the overall burden of these patients. , which could lead to integrated management. The two conditions are intertwined, especially in countries where diabetes rates are still increasing.
