Magnitude of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and concomitant risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a distinct hepatic condition that is strongly associated with insulin resistance and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This study was designed to assess the magnitude of NAFLD and its concomitant risk factors among patients with T2DM.Methods: In a hospital based observational descriptive study, 150 patients with T2DM were submitted to a complete clinical and laboratory evaluation; abdominal ultrasonography for NAFLD detection and grading. Patients with known chronic liver disease and history of alcohol intake were excluded. They were divided into fatty and non-fatty liver group: evaluated, compared and statistical analysis done.Results: Out of 150 patients with T2DM, 104 (69.33%) had fatty liver on USG. 42.67% had grade 1, 24% had grade 2, and the remaining 2.67% had grade 3 fatty changes in liver. The severity of NAFLD increased with increasing age (r-value = +0.554, p<0.001). Statistically significant difference in Body Mass Index (29.64±4.36 v/s 25.94±3.25 kg/m2, p<0.001) and triglycerides (175.47±24.82 v/s 128.53±26.66 mg/dl, p<0.001) was observed in the fatty liver group as compared to non-fatty liver group.Conclusions: The magnitude of NAFLD is higher in type 2 diabetic patients. Older age group, Body Mass Index (BMI) and triglyceride (TG) had significant relationship with the presence of fatty liver. Ultrasonographic evidence of fatty liver with older age, elevation of triglyceride level and increasing BMI should be taken seriously as a predictor of severity of NAFLD.