Prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and its Correlation with Coronary Risk Factors

Abstract

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly seen to be associated with metabolic syndrome and is considered a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Aim: To assess the prevalence of NAFLD among type 2 diabetics and assess correlation between risk factors of CAD and NAFLD in these patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 consecutive patients of type 2 diabetes coming to our institution. A detailed history, physical examination and laboratory investigations including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), renal and liver function tests, lipid profile, glycated haemoglobin and ultrasound abdomen were carried out. NAFLD was diagnosed on the basis of ultrasonic assessment of the liver. The study group was then divided into NAFLD and non-NAFLD group and the two groups were compared for presence of risk factors for CAD. Results: The prevalence of NAFLD in diabetics was 61% and CAD was found to be more prevalent in this group. Also, the NAFLD subgroup had higher prevalence of hypertension, microalbuminuria, Metabolic syndrome and raised total cholesterol, Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides. Conclusion: NAFLD as a disease is fairly prevalent among type-2 diabetics and both these diseases occur simultaneously in patients with other known coronary risk factors. Hence, the presence of NAFLD can be considered as an important marker of coronary artery disease amongst type 2 diabetics. It is noninvasive, economical, easily assessable and reproducible parameter for coronary risk stratification in type 2 diabetics.

Keywords

• cholesterol
• heart
• hypertension