Did you know that diabetes is one of the leading causes of liver failure?
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterised by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This occurs due to either insufficient production of insulin by the pancreas (Type 1 diabetes) or the body’s inability to effectively use insulin (Type 2 diabetes).
Complications of the Liver in Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to several complications in the liver due to its impact on metabolism and insulin regulation. Some complications of the liver in diabetes include:
· Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):
A condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver cells and leads to inflammation and scarring even if the person doesn’t consume excessive alcohol. It occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver.
· Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH):
NASH is a more advanced stage of NAFLD characterised by inflammation and liver cell injury. It can progress to fibrosis and lead to cirrhosis, which is extensive scarring that disrupts liver function.
· Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma):
Individuals with diabetes and advanced liver disease, such as cirrhosis, are at an increased risk of developing liver cancer. Chronic inflammation, metabolic abnormalities, and insulin resistance associated with diabetes can contribute to the development of cancerous cells in the liver.
· Insulin Resistance:
In Type 2 diabetes, cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, which means they don’t respond efficiently to the hormone’s signals to take up glucose. As a result, the liver continues to produce glucose, which contributes to higher blood sugar levels.
· Increased Risk of Infections:
Diabetes can weaken the immune system’s ability to fight infections. In individuals with liver complications, such as cirrhosis, the liver’s ability to produce immune-related proteins can be compromised, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections.
Tips to Keep Your Liver Healthy if You Have Diabetes
- Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Keep your blood sugar levels within the target range recommended by your healthcare provider. Consistently high blood sugar levels can worsen liver health.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing excess weight can help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce fat accumulation in the liver, and significantly reduce the risk of liver complications.
- Avoid Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can worsen liver damage, especially when combined with diabetes. If you have liver complications, it’s important to limit or avoid alcohol consumption altogether.
- Adopt a Balanced Diet: Focus on a balanced and healthy diet that is low in saturated fats, refined sugars, and processed foods. Emphasise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Stay Active and Hydrated: Regular physical activity can help improve insulin sensitivity, control blood sugar levels, and support overall metabolic health. Drinking plenty of water supports liver function as it helps flush toxins from the body and supports various metabolic processes.
- Avoid Crash Diets: Rapid weight loss methods, or crash diets, can actually harm your liver. Aim for gradual, sustainable weight loss under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Regular Medical Check-ups: Schedule regular visits with your healthcare provider to monitor liver function and overall health. Early detection and intervention are crucial to managing liver complications.
It’s important to note that the relationship between diabetes and liver complications is complex and often bidirectional. Diabetes can contribute to liver damage, and liver dysfunction can exacerbate diabetes-related issues. Managing diabetes effectively and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of complications.
If you have diabetes, regular medical check-ups, monitoring of liver function, and working closely with healthcare professionals can help identify and manage any liver-related concerns early on.