Two-thirds of individuals living with type 2 diabetes may also have fatty liver disease, according to the British Liver Trust. This potentially dangerous combination often goes undetected, putting individuals at risk for severe health complications. In light of this, the charity is urging those who are at risk to get tested and manage both conditions effectively.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) predicts that by 2025, over 5 million people in the UK will be diagnosed with diabetes. This could result in a significant number of new cases of fatty liver disease in the country.
Fatty liver disease, also known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is characterized by excess fat in the liver. If left untreated, it can progress to severe metabolic associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which can lead to liver failure or cancer.
Obesity is a major risk factor for both type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. By 2040, it is estimated that 21 million adults in the UK will be obese, further highlighting the urgent need for prevention and management of these conditions.
Vanessa Hebditch, Director of Communications and Policy at the British Liver Trust, emphasizes the importance of taking action: “If you are diagnosed with fatty liver disease, losing weight and adopting a healthy diet is the first line of treatment. Research shows that losing 5 to 10% of body weight can effectively control or even reverse the condition.”
Moreover, fatty liver disease significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. According to a study by Diabetes UK in 2022, individuals with higher levels of fat in the liver are at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Vanessa adds, “Living with both fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes can increase the likelihood of experiencing diabetes complications and developing more severe liver disease. For instance, having both conditions can further heighten the risk of heart disease, making it crucial to get tested if you could be at risk.”
It is worth noting that nine out of ten cases of liver disease are preventable, with the main causes being excess weight, alcohol consumption, and viral hepatitis. To assess your risk of liver disease, visit the British Liver Trust’s website at www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/risk.
This news story has been distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.