Diabetes, obesity and liver health: Precautions you can't ignore

Individuals with obesity or diabetes tend to concentrate on blood sugar or weight control, yet the liver is one of the most stressed organs in both diseases and usually ends up being overlooked. Physicians add that if the liver remains under stress for many years, it can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition that, if not treated, can progress to severe complications such as liver cirrhosis or even liver failure.

The liver has an important role to play in the way the body stores and spends energy. With too much fat, particularly in the belly, or when high blood sugar stays that way over time, fat begins to accumulate in the liver. This decreases the functioning of the liver and triggers inflammation. As medical experts elaborate, the process itself is not usually symptomatic at the beginning, which makes it difficult. Symptoms occur by the time significant harm may have been caused.

Doctors recommend starting with lifestyle changes. One of the largest steps is weight control. Even five to ten percent weight loss can decrease liver fat considerably. Daily exercise, even a 30-minute walk every five days, can help go a long way. It need not be something drastic, what matters is being regular. Eating habits also make a significant contribution. Clinicians advise consuming more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein and reducing the intake of sweets, fried foods, and red meat. Drinks such as sweetened sodas and high-fruit juices can cause more damage than benefit, particularly to an individual who is already dealing with diabetes or obesity.

Control of blood sugar is also a key consideration. Excessive blood sugar levels can cause further liver damage in the long run. Clinicians usually recommend monitoring sugar levels regularly, adhering to prescribed medications at the right time, and not skipping meals. If insulin or other medication is included in the treatment program, paying close attention to sticking to the routine is essential. Of course, it should also be mentioned that certain diabetes medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, can actually lower liver fat, but only under the direction of a physician.

Alcohol must be avoided or limited to the absolute minimum. While NAFLD is not caused by alcohol, even minimal intake can exacerbate liver damage if the liver is already compromised.
Routine check-ups can really help. Because liver problems don't always have symptoms in the beginning, physicians might recommend routine liver function tests or ultrasounds to keep an eye on liver health. If there is any early evidence of damage, the treatment regimen can be changed before the issue becomes severe.

Clinicians think that by some careful everyday routines, the threat to the liver can be lowered to a significant degree. It's not a matter of sticking to a perfect regimen but being watchful and making well-informed decisions on a daily basis. For people who are obese or have diabetes, protecting the liver is not an added activity; it's a key component of being healthy as a whole.

Dr Swapnil Sharma, Consultant Liver Transplant, HPB and GI Surgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central