A recent study conducted at Linköping University found that six out of ten individuals with type 2 diabetes had fatty liver. However, only a small percentage of these patients had developed severe liver disease. This research, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, also highlights the increased risk of fatty liver in individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Metabolic syndrome, which disrupts normal metabolism, affects various organs in the body. It is a combination of factors that lead to fat accumulation and poor blood sugar management, increasing the risk of developing secondary diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by an accumulation of fat in the liver. Approximately one in five adults in Sweden is estimated to have MASLD, while globally, one in three adults may be affected.

Fatty liver can progress to severe liver diseases such as cirrhosis, which is associated with a high risk of liver cancer and mortality. Identifying individuals at high risk of serious liver disease is crucial for providing timely interventions and improving patient outcomes.

The study involved over 300 individuals with type 2 diabetes who underwent MRI scans to assess the presence of MASLD. Nearly 59% of participants were found to have this condition. Additionally, liver stiffness measurements revealed that about 7% of individuals showed signs of early-stage cirrhosis.

Obesity was identified as a risk factor for the progression of liver disease to cirrhosis. Individuals with both type 2 diabetes and obesity were found to be at a higher risk compared to those with type 2 diabetes alone.

Fortunately, fatty liver can be reversed by losing weight. The researchers are planning to follow up with the study participants after five years to better understand the progression of liver disease and identify high-risk individuals.

The study, conducted in collaboration with healthcare centers in Östergötland, involved experts from various fields such as hepatology, radiology, and endocrinology. Funding for the study was provided by Region Östergötland, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, and the Swedish Society of Medicine.