Diabetes affects more than just blood sugar levels. It can also damage internal organs, especially the liver. Many diabetic patients are unaware of the link between diabetes and liver disease. This lack of knowledge often leads to complications over time.
In this blog, we would seek to answer how diabetes as a disease negatively affects the state of your liver, what treatment can be used for diabetic liver disease, and what are some of the methods that can be used to maintain the overall health of the liver.

First, let us examine the link between diabetes and liver disease

Individuals suffering from diabetes also have a greater chance of suffering from NAFLD, in which there is increased fat deposit in the liver. If the fat continues to reside untreated in the body for a long time, it may lead to many other diseases: NASH, cirrhosis, or the most dangerous of the three—liver cancer.
High blood sugar and insulin resistance in diabetics can cause the liver to function poorly. This, in turn, leads to an excess production of liver enzymes, significantly affecting the liver’s ability to filter toxins, regulate energy, and support digestion.

The liver complications that are present in diabetic patients.

A few key complications that take place are:

• NAFLD: This condition occurs when fat begins to accumulate in the liver without causing any symptoms.
• NASH happens when fat buildup in the liver causes inflammation and scarring.
• High Liver Enzymes: A marker for stress in the liver.
• Liver Cirrhosis and Cancer: This occurs when chronic liver disease continues to persist, thus damaging the liver greatly.

Adress signs like fatigue or jaundice promptly to avoid bigger complications.

Evaluating a diabetic patient’s liver health

FibroScan is a technology used to assess liver health by measuring liver stiffness. Imaging tests like ultrasound and other FibroScan technologies, along with consistent checking of liver enzymes, serve two essential purposes. They help with the early diagnostics of diabetic patients. For the patients that have a history of liver complications due to diabetes, these LFTs can greatly help.

How to Assess Liver Health in Diabetics

With minor lifestyle modifications, diabetic patients can reduce chance of liver complications.

1. Follow a healthy diet
The diet should include fresh vegetables, omega-3-rich foods like fish and walnuts, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Avoid processed snacks, fried food, and sugary drinks at all times.

2. Maintain a healthy weight
Reducing your body weight by 5-10% can be very beneficial.

3. Exercise daily
Swimming or brisk walking for approximately 30 minutes daily is a beneficial routine.

4. Hydration is the Key
Drinking an appropriate amount of water can have a positive impact on liver health.

5. Avoid Alcohol Consumption
Even in the smallest quantity, alcohol can exacerbate liver conditions.

Diabetic liver disease treatment.

Medication is often an effective way to manage blood sugar and prevent inflammation. However, it is crucial to regularly monitor the patients’ liver enzyme levels. This kind of specialized care is often needed for advanced stages of hepatitis or diabetes-induced liver effects.
Severe conditions might result in liver transplants, but these can be avoided with early intervention.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Liver

In order to avoid any further complications with the liver, it is important to:

• Control Blood Glucose Levels: This helps in managing strain on the liver.
• Insulin Resistance Seek help with the administration of medicines.
• Quit smoking, reduce cholesterol levels, and manage hypertension.

Conclusion

With regard to diabetes, taking care of the liver requires a shift in life approaches, regular doctor visits, and taking advice. Consulting a doctor at the earliest is important. This helps avoid further complexities that are not useful for the individual. Doctors working on liver transplantation advocate that people suffering from diabetes should be more attentive to taking care of their livers. There are a few negative outcomes you can protect yourself from by being proactive; the outcome will definitely be better. Ready to take control of your liver health? Contact us today for personalized advice!