Diabetes and obesity combined can lead to severe liver harm
In a recent study at Sweden's Linkoeping University Hospital, it was found that close to 59 percent of more than 300 people with type 2 diabetes had Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD), as determined by MRI scans. This finding highlights the significant risk that obesity and type 2 diabetes pose to liver health.
People with type 2 diabetes are already at a higher risk for various health complications, including heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and liver disease. The condition of insulin resistance, often associated with type 2 diabetes, can lead to the development of MASLD.
Obesity contributes to the progression of liver disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) primarily by promoting metabolic dysfunction that leads to fat accumulation (steatosis) and inflammation in the liver. This accelerates the progression from simple fatty liver to more severe forms such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and ultimately liver damage.
Key mechanisms include insulin resistance and disrupted glucose and lipid metabolism, increased hepatic triglyceride accumulation, lipotoxicity, chronic low-grade inflammation, and elevated triglycerides and increased de novo lipogenesis. These factors, when combined with hyperglycemia and insulin resistance associated with T2D, significantly increase the risk of liver-related morbidity.
The study also found that among those who had both type 2 diabetes and obesity, the percentage with early-stage cirrhosis of the liver was 13 percent, compared to only 2 percent in people who were not obese. This suggests that people with both conditions may be a group that should be prioritized for liver disease screening.
However, there are steps that can be taken to manage this risk. Resistance training can increase insulin sensitivity, while getting more sleep can help reverse the effects of insulin resistance. A diet high in soluble fiber, colourful fruits, and low in high glycemic foods can help with weight loss and curb insulin resistance. Antioxidants like PQQ can also aid in fat loss and increase energy for exercise.
It's important to note that many people struggle to achieve the ideal amount of vitamin D absorption, and research has shown that low CoQ10 levels correlate to insulin resistance. Melatonin can be beneficial in improving sleep and potentially reversing insulin resistance effects.
In conclusion, the interplay between obesity and type 2 diabetes significantly elevates the risk of liver-related morbidity. However, by understanding these mechanisms and taking proactive steps, it is possible to manage this risk and maintain liver health.
- Science reveals the increased risk of chronic diseases, such as liver disease, in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), particularly those who are also obese, as medical-conditions like Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD) are more prevalent in such cases.
- Fitness and exercise, like resistance training, can help increase insulin sensitivity, thereby playing a crucial role in the health-and-wellness management of T2D and related conditions such as MASLD, lowering the risk of liver-related morbidity.
- A nutrient-rich diet that is high in soluble fiber, colourful fruits, and low in high glycemic foods, along with antioxidants like PQQ and proper vitamin D absorption, can help curb insulin resistance and, consequently, reduce the risk of various chronic diseases and promote overall liver health and wellness.
