Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relation with insulin resistance in South Gujarat Region

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is commonly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) though its prevalence is not well studied. We conducted a prospective study of prevalence of NAFLD in patients with type 2 DM and its relation with Insulin Resistance. Materials and Methods: 100 patients of Type 2DM attending Tertiary care center in South Gujarat were evaluated. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed to determine the presence of fatty liver. For assessment of Insulin Resistance, Homeostasis Model Assistant - Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) were calculated. A probability value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study group (n = 100) was divided into a NAFLD group (n = 45) and a non-NAFLD group (n = 55). The prevalence of NAFLD was 45%. The NAFLD subgroup had higher prevalence of obesity (measured by BMI), central obesity (measured by waist circumference and waist hip ratio), higher HbA1c, higher triglyceride levels. HOMA-IR and QUICKI indexes for Insulin Resistance were significantly higher in NAFLD group than Non NAFLD group (P value 0.03, 0.04). Conclusion: The prevalence of NAFLD is high in patients of Type 2 DM. Insulin resistance seems to be correlated with the presence of NAFLD among T2DM patients.