Hormonal
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) acts as an independent cardiometabolic risk factor that exacerbates hepatic insulin resistance, increases the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and worsens glycemic control and vascular complications in patients with established T2DM.
If you have type 2 diabetes or obesity, getting a liver ultrasound is critical even if your blood work looks normal. NAFLD significantly increases your risk of developing full-blown diabetes and heart disease. Treating the liver fat through weight loss and metabolic control is not just about liver health, but a primary strategy for preventing diabetes complications.
NAFLD exacerbates hepatic insulin resistance and increases the risk of developing T2DM. Growing evidence also indicates that NAFLD may worsen glycemic control in people with T2DM and may contribute to the development and progression of the most important chronic complications of diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease.
Why this rating
Based on multiple prospective cohort studies and meta-analyses, though the authors note some studies lack rigorous adjustment for all confounders.
Source
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Novel Cardiometabolic Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes and Its Complications
Giovanni Targher et al. · The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2013
DOI 10.1210/jc.2012-3093
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- Intrahepatic triglyceride content is a stronger determinant of insulin resistance and glycemic control than visceral adipose tissue or intramyocellular lipid content.Good
- Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation significantly reduces hepatic fat content in NAFLD patients, though the optimal dose and long-term histological benefits remain undetermined.Moderate
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