Diabetes and liver disease are closely linked, and people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing liver disease than those without diabetes. Here are some of the ways in which diabetes can affect liver health:
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): NAFLD is the most common liver disease among people with diabetes. It occurs when there is an accumulation of fat in the liver, which can lead to inflammation and scarring. NAFLD is more common in people with type 2 diabetes and can progress to more serious liver diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis.
- Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance, which is common in people with type 2 diabetes, can also affect liver health. When the body is resistant to insulin, it produces more insulin to compensate, which can lead to an increase in the production of liver enzymes. This can cause inflammation and damage to the liver over time.
- Higher Risk of Hepatitis: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of contracting hepatitis B and C, which can cause liver damage and increase the risk of liver cancer.
- Poorly Controlled Blood Sugar: Poorly controlled blood sugar levels can also affect liver health. High blood sugar levels can lead to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the liver, which can cause inflammation and damage to liver cells.
To prevent liver disease in people with diabetes, it is important to maintain good blood sugar control and adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol and smoking. If you have diabetes, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about monitoring your liver health and getting vaccinated for hepatitis B and C.