The main organ involved in human metabolism is the liver. The liver purges harmful compounds from the blood and facilitates the body’s absorption of nutrients. 

Metabolic disorders, which include obesity and type 2 diabetes, can cause damage to the liver and result in fatty liver disease, often commonly known as “fatty liver”. If the fatty liver disease has not progressed, you can stop the fat buildup in liver cells or even reverse it with regular lifestyle changes.

This article will look into the link between fatty liver and diabetes​, if one affects the other, and how they might be properly handled.

What is fatty liver?

Fat begins to accumulate in the hepatocytes, the cells that make up the liver, resulting in fatty liver disease. Alcohol-induced fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the two kinds of fatty liver disease. When the percentage of extra fat-containing liver cells exceeds 5%, NAFLD is identified. Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to fatty liver disease, which has emerged as a leading medical reason for liver transplants.

The association between type 2 diabetes and fatty liver is distinct in that the two diseases have an impact on one another. They have the capacity to both cause and effect. This implies that those who have fatty livers are more likely to get type 2 diabetes, which in turn encourages the onset or worsening of fatty liver.

An internationally recognized expert council has suggested renaming the disorder because the name “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease” can be discriminatory and stigmatizing. It should be called “metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease” (MASLD) going forward.

Fatty Liver and Diabetes​

What causes fatty liver in people with diabetes?

The primary cause of NAFLD in diabetics is overweight or obesity. Reversing the formation of NAFLD or slowing its progression can be achieved through weight loss.

According to studies, losing just 7% to 10% of your body weight is the greatest strategy for maintaining weight loss. Calorie restriction and consistent physical activity can help you achieve this. High fructose consumption is also linked to the development of NAFLD. Reducing or staying away from high-sugar meals and beverages, such as sodas and processed foods, can also help stop or slow the onset of NAFLD.

People with high blood pressure and cholesterol also frequently have NAFLD. Taking statins has been associated in certain trials with improved liver function and decreased cardiovascular events if you have NAFLD that has advanced to NASH. Studies reveal that the benefits of statins are limited to individuals who do not experience liver problems three years later.

What are the signs of fatty liver?

Most people who have fatty liver or fatty liver inflammation don’t feel pain or have any other symptoms.

Nevertheless, fatty liver disease may manifest as any of the following symptoms:

• Constant tiredness and listlessness
• Difficulty to concentrate
• A sensation of upper abdominal pressure
• A persistent sensation of fullness
• Complaints from lying on the right side
• Dark urine
• Lightweight stool

How can fatty liver disease be prevented?

Individuals with diabetes have preventative measures for non-alcoholic fatty liver. Especially important is leading a healthy lifestyle.

• Keep an eye on your weight and make an effort to stay underweight, particularly if you are obese in the abdomen. Additionally, you should match your daily energy requirements with your calorie consumption.
• Make an effort to have an active lifestyle by fitting regular exercise and physical activity into your daily schedule.
• Make an effort to limit your intake of alcohol and ensure that your food is well-balanced and high in fiber. Particularly unhealthy foods include very energy-dense foods like soft drinks, sugary snacks, and fatty sausages that are high in fat and sugar.
• Give up smoking.
• In addition to preventing fatty liver, leading a healthy lifestyle also improves insulin resistance, blood sugar, blood cholesterol levels, and inflammatory processes.

Type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver can affect one another; therefore, it’s important to get checked for both disorders as soon as possible if you think you may get them. The treating physician should assess individuals with type 2 diabetes to rule out fatty liver inflammation or possibly fatty liver deterioration. This can stop severe liver damage from developing.

Diet for Fatty Liver and Diabetes​

There isn’t a specific diet that works for controlling both NAFLD and diabetes. Instead, managing and losing weight can assist in decreasing the growth of both illnesses.

Eating a nutritious, well-balanced meal is one approach to controlling your weight. A good place to start is with whole foods. Think about increasing your intake of these foods:

• fruits and vegetables
• lean proteins like chicken, white fish, and turkey
• lentils and legumes
• whole grains
• Extra virgin olive oil, seeds, and nuts are all examples of healthy fats.

Conclusion

Approximately two-thirds of individuals with type 2 diabetes have fatty liver disease. In its early stages, FLD frequently exhibits no symptoms, but if left untreated, it can result in liver failure.

Blood sugar levels can rise due to FLD, and FLD itself can raise blood sugar levels, making treatment more challenging. Losing weight is the greatest treatment for FLD. You can control your weight by incorporating more exercise into your daily routine and eating a healthy diet. You may also want to consult your doctor about taking specific medications.

For personalized care and deeper insights into managing diabetes, consider booking an appointment with our specialist. Your health deserves the best attention.

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