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Liver Health And Diabetes: Understanding The Connection

"Regular monitoring of liver function through tests and imaging is essential for early detection and intervention," says Dr Navneet Agrawal, Chief Clinical Officer, BeatO.

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Written By: Tavishi Dogra | Updated: April 20, 2024, 10:54 AM

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Lipid Metabolism

A process is vital for overall health. However, this balance can be disturbed in conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In T2D, fasting hyperglycemia occurs due to increased endogenous glucose production, and postprandial hyperglycemia results from impaired glucose storage as glycogen after meals, which is linked to hepatic steatosis.

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Liver Diseases Are Emerging As A Critical Public Health Issue In India

Liver disease alone accounted for 18.3% of the two million global liver disease-related deaths in 2015. Fatty liver is an essential factor for predisposed individuals developing T2D. Once T2D develops, it not only exacerbates steatosis but also contributes to progressive liver damage, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and potentially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in some patients. NAFLD, characterized by liver fat accumulation, often coexists with diabetes and can progress to NASH, leading to serious liver complications. Also Read - Why demand for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is rising across Great Britain

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Oxidative Stress

Which further contributes to liver damage. Some diabetes medications can affect liver function, highlighting the need for careful medication management. Managing diabetes and liver health is achievable by reducing liver disease risk. Lifestyle changes that lead to a modest 8% reduction in body weight can significantly reduce hepatic steatosis and improve insulin resistance in individuals with obesity and T2D. Regular monitoring of liver function through tests and imaging is essential for early detection and intervention.

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In Conclusion

Understanding the intricate relationship between the liver, diabetes, and related conditions is crucial for addressing the growing burden of liver disease in India. Management and regular monitoring are essential.