Publication:

Association of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with anthropometric and metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetes: a retrospective analysis

Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which mediates increased insulin resistance and is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Aim of the study was to understand the association of NAFLD with anthropometric and metabolic parameters in T2DM.

Methods A retrospective observation of data obtained from a private diabetes care centre in non-alcoholic T2D patients was performed. Association of presence of NAFLD with anthropometric, metabolic (glycemic, lipid) parameters, and also blood pressure were assessed. Patients were duly informed that the data collected pertaining to their illness could be used for research purposes. No changes or interventions in the management of the illness were made as part of this study.

Results In total, 300 cases were included in analysis. NAFLD was seen in 38.0% of the cases. Patients with fatty liver were much older than those without fatty liver (P<0.0001). A significant association of NAFLD was seen with all anthropometric (P<0.05 for each) and lipid (p<0.05 for each) parameters and also systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements (p<0.0001 for both). There was no significant association with glycemic levels in patients with NAFLD. Other factors which had significant association with fatty liver include duration of diabetes, duration of hypertension and a known history of hypertension and dyslipidaemia (p<0.0001 for each).

Conclusions NAFLD has significant association with cardio-metabolic risk factors and may be an independent risk factor for CV disease. Further prospective studies with effect of diabetes treatment and progression/regression of NAFLD and its association with CV outcomes in T2D are warranted.