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Diabetes can affect the way the body processes and uses blood glucose. Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the pancreatic cells are destroyed so that they can not produce insulin any more. Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t use the insulin produced to control blood sugar levels. Both the two types of Diabetes may increase people’s risk of getting liver diseases.
How is Diabetes associated to liver disease? There are several reasons for which people with Diabetes may get liver disorders. Non-alcoholic fatty liver can be caused by non-controlled blood glucose from Diabetes. In some patients, this condition doesn’t cause any symptoms or further complications. For others, the condition can progress to inflammation in the liver, which will lead to liver cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. Scarring of the liver eventually may impair liver functions and result in liver failure.
In addition, as we know, high cholesterol and obesity are linked to Diabetes as well. Cholesterol-lowering medicines may cause abnormal liver enzymes and damage the functions of the liver. Diabetes which can be the result of metabolic syndrome can also increase risk of nonalcoholic steatopatitis (NASH). And NASH may cause various forms of live cancer. Hepatocellar Carcinoma (NCC), a type of liver cancer, is also greatly associated with Diabetes. A study from The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases found that hyperinsulinemia is a possible cause for increased risks of HCC in Diabetics.
Liver disorder caused by Diabetes may progress into liver failure without treatment. Management of blood sugar, controlling body weight through healthy diet and lifestyle will be beneficial to prevent deterioration of the disease. If it is confirmed certain medicines are causing liver disease, the doctor may change medications to control the condition. Early detection and treatment, necessary lifestyle changes to control your Diabetes will be essential to prevent liver disease from further progression.
