In a nutshell
The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The main finding of the study was that T2D patients who are older, who smoke and have high body weight and diastolic blood pressure are more likely to develop NAFLD.
Some background
T2D is commonly associated with NAFLD. NAFLD involves a group of conditions where there is an accumulation of fat on the liver (steatosis). This can result in liver injury and scarring (fibrosis) which can impair liver function. Liver function can be evaluated by measuring liver enzymes in the blood. Platelets (PLTs; blood components that help the blood to clot) are destroyed by a diseased liver. Therefore, platelet count is also measured in patients with liver disease.
The factors that increase a patients’ likelihood of developing NAFLD when they have T2D are still unknown.
Methods & findings
This study included 629 patients with T2D. 231 patients had liver fibrosis (scarring). Patient information such as age, gender, smoking and alcohol history was collected, a physical exam was carried out and liver enzymes and PLTs were also measured.
Patients with liver fibrosis group were significantly older than the patients in the non-fibrosis group. Patients with a higher waist circumference and blood pressure, as well as those who were smoking and consuming alcohol were more likely to develop liver fibrosis.
A higher body mass, a greater waist, and higher blood pressure were risk factors for developing a fatty liver (steatosis).
The bottom line
The authors concluded that older age, high body weight, smoking, and high blood pressure are risk factors for developing liver fibrosis steatosis in patients with T2D.
The fine print
This study was relatively small. Also, all included patients came from one medical center. Larger studies on more diverse populations are needed.
Published By :
Medicine
Date :
Sep 01, 2018
