Contents
pdf Download PDF
pdf Download XML
60 Views
30 Downloads
Share this article
Systematic Review | Volume 18 Issue 2 (February, 2026) | Pages 332 - 337
Frequency of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Under a Creative Commons license
Open Access
Received
Dec. 28, 2025
Revised
Jan. 8, 2026
Accepted
Jan. 26, 2026
Published
Feb. 21, 2026
Abstract

Introduction: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a very prevalent metabolic disease, often seen in association with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Diabetic patients are at risk for hepatic steatosis due to insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidemia. It is crucial to diagnose NAFLD early to avoid cirrhosis and other liver-related issues. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients and to evaluate the correlation between obesity, glycemic control, and dyslipidemia with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Methodology:100 patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the age group 30-70 years were recruited using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Patients who were heavy drinkers, had viral hepatitis, chronic liver disease, or hepatotoxic drug use were excluded. Demographic data, body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, lipid profile, and length of diabetes were obtained. Ultrasonography was used to diagnose NAFLD. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, and a p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 100 diabetic patients, 58% were diagnosed with NAFLD. The mean age was 52.4 ± 9.1 years. NAFLD patients had significantly higher BMI (30.2 ± 4.3 kg/m² vs 26.1 ± 3.5 kg/m², p=0.002) and HbA1c levels (8.9 ± 1.4% vs 7.5 ± 1.1%, p=0.001). Longer duration of diabetes and elevated triglyceride levels were also significantly associated with NAFLD (p<0.05). Conclusion: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was significantly associated with NAFLD. The significant risk factors were obesity, poor glycemic control, dyslipidemia, and duration of diabetes. In people with diabetes, routine screening and early metabolic control can help decrease liver-related problems.

Keywords
INTRODUCTION

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has become one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases globally and is a significant public health issue. It is defined as a massive fat deposition in the liver cells without the presence of significant amounts of alcohol or any other cause of hepatic steatosis. The liver changes seen in NAFLD are a spectrum that ranges from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The increasing prevalence of NAFLD is due to the increase in obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus worldwide [1.2]. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder in which the body becomes more resistant to the effects of insulin and has glucose intolerance. Insulin resistance is a key factor in the pathogenesis of both T2DM and NAFLD, making patients with T2DM especially vulnerable to developing NAFLD. Insulin resistance increases lipolysis and the accumulation of fat in the liver, which is implicated in liver inflammation and fibrosis. Diabetes is one of the most important risk factors for NAFLD, and the prevalence of NAFLD in diabetic patients has been reported from 40% to 70% [3,4]. It is important to note that NAFLD and T2DM often coexist, with significant clinical implications. Patients with both diabetes and liver disease have a higher risk of having advanced liver disease, cardiovascular complications, chronic kidney disease, and mortality than patients without diabetes. Additionally, NAFLD can negatively affect glycemic control and lead to greater insulin resistance, which may exacerbate the disease process. Hence, the early detection and treatment of NAFLD in diabetic patients is crucial to avoid the subsequent complications [5.6]. Patients with T2DM have several risk factors for developing NAFLD. Risk factors that are present in most cases of obesity include central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, poor glycemic control, and a longer duration of diabetes. Hepatic steatosis is strongly correlated with higher BMI and serum triglyceride levels. Moreover, poor dietary habits and lack of physical activity are major contributors to the NAFLD morbidity burden within people with diabetes [7]. Ultrasonography is a valuable and readily available non-invasive method for diagnosing fatty liver disease. It is a cost-effective, readily available, and moderately sensitive method for diagnosing moderate-to-severe hepatic steatosis. In high-risk groups like people with diabetes, routine screening by ultrasonography can help early identify NAFLD [8]. The rapid urbanization, decrease in physical activity, and changes in diet are contributing to the growing incidence of T2DM and obesity in Pakistan. Thus, NAFLD is also becoming commonplace in Pakistan. But very little local information is available about the prevalence of NAFLD in people with T2DM. Estimating the prevalence of NAFLD in diabetic patients will enable healthcare providers to formulate appropriate prevention and management strategies [9]. Hence, this study was conducted to find out the prevalence of NAFLD among Type 2 Diabetic patients and its relationship with obesity, dyslipidemia, and control of diabetes. Early identification of patients at high risk can help to optimize clinical outcomes and liver-related morbidity and mortality [10].

 

 

Recommended Articles
Systematic Review
Outcome of Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
...
Published: 30/03/2026
Systematic Review
Published: 30/03/2026
Original Article
Correlation Between High-Resolution Computed Tomography Findings and Pulmonary Function Tests in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
...
Published: 30/06/2026
Systematic Review
Frequency of Mineral and Bone Disorders in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis.
...
Published: 30/03/2026
Chat on WhatsApp
© Copyright CME Journal Geriatric Medicine