Along with diabetes, high triglycerides lvels and insulin resistance, Fatty liver is also a part of metabolic syndrome. Fatty liver is of 2 types – Alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Non-alcoholic fatty liver incidence is rising due to changing lifestyle habits. Fatty liver not due to alcohol abuse is called “Non-Alcoholic steatohepatitis”.  1. Incidence of fatty liver is 30% in urban areas while it is just 10% in rural people. 2. Fatty liver is most commonly present in obese people and alcoholics. 3. Incidence of fatty liver is 60-70% in Diabetics.   Who are at risk?    Those who have Body Mass Index (BMI) more than 25 are at high risk for fatty liver. Diabetics are always at risk.   Why Fatty liver is dangerous?   Like Diabetes, fatty liver is also a silent killer. We may not find significant symptoms in the initial stages. Symptoms will appear only when liver damage is started.   How fatty liver occurs?   1. As we are leading more sedentary life, there is a gradual accumulation of glucose in the liver. This excess glucose gradually changes into fat by Gluconeogenesis. This excess fat will be deposited in the liver cells leading to “Fatty Liver”.   2. Obese people suffer from “Insulin Resistance”. Even though, they have sufficient Insulin in the body, it failed to act sufficiently due to “insulin resistance”. So more fat will accumulate in the liver.   3. Breast cancer drugs like Tamoxifen, antibiotics like Tetracycline and long term use of steroids also cause fatty liver.   How to diagnose fatty liver?   Liver function tests may not help in the diagnosis of fatty liver. Ultrasound is the investigation of choice. Liver Biopsy will give definitive diagnosis. CT and MRI will give more information on the extent of damage. Serum C-peptide is the strongest correlative marker for fatty liver. One should check blood glucose and serum triglycerides levels in the body.   1. They should stay away from smoking and Alcoholism.   2. They should exercise for 30-45 minutes daily.   3. Weight reduction is more important.   4. Take sufficient diet which is low in fat content.   5. Alcoholic drinks should carry warning about fatty liver.   Treatment for fatty liver:   1. Metformin may help to some extent. 2. Deoxy-cholic acid is the drug of choice.   3. Lifestyle modifications are paramount importance.   If patients are not treated for fatty liver, it turns into steatohepatitis and finally cirrhosis. Cirrhosis may lead to hepatocellular carcinoma.   Obese people with high blood pressure and uncontrolled diabetes should consult doctor for the diagnosis of fatty liver.    How to prevent Fatty liver? … [Read more...]