Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in diabetics: The role of hepatologist

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent metabolic diseases worldwide, causing an enormous burden on the economies of both developed and developing nations. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is very closely associated with diabetes, and the two diseases are known to cause an increase in morbidity and mortality. Timely referral of a diabetic with NAFLD to a hepatologist can definitely delay disease progression and the related complications. Despite the magnitude, there are no guidelines that recommend a screening algorithm that must be followed for evaluating NAFLD in at-risk diabetics at the primary care level and their further referral to hepatologists. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease management needs heightened awareness among primary care physicians/endocrinologists and hepatologists, and a collaborative care approach is paramount in these patients. Certain antidiabetic drugs are found to be beneficial in the treatment of NAFLD patients with diabetes, however, none of them are FDA approved.