Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease should be considered for treatment allocation in standard management algorithms for type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Background and aims: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) often exist together. This is a high-risk population, as presence of T2D promotes the progression of NAFLD to more severe liver pathologies. There are several international guidelines for managing T2D, however guidance for management of NAFLD in individuals with T2D is scarce. In India, there is hardly any screening programme for identification of high-risk NAFLD individuals.

Methods: A literature search was performed with Medline (PubMed), Scopus and Google Scholar electronic databases till October 2020, using relevant keywords (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; NAFLD; nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; NASH screening and management; metabolic associated fatty liver disease) to extract relevant studies describing screening and management strategies of NAFLD/NASH, especially in patients with T2D.

Results: An estimated 12.4 million Indian people are living with coexisting T2D and NAFLD-related advanced liver fibrosis, which is a major determinant of liver-related mortality in these individuals. Several studies have reported screening tools for identification of high risk NAFLD patients with coexisting T2D. The emphasis has been laid on the identification of advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, using noninvasive tests at the primary level. For management, lifestyle measures and appropriate glucose-lowering medication have been proposed that help patients with coexisting T2D and NAFLD. Timely referral to specialists is also critical for preventing complications of cirrhosis.

Conclusions: While current management algorithms for T2D include atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, kidney dysfunction and obesity as co-morbidities to direct appropriate therapies, NAFLD should be considered as additional pathway to select appropriate treatment.

Keywords: Advanced fibrosis; MAFLD; Metabolic associated fatty liver disease; NAFLD; NASH; Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; Serological markers.