Prevalence of non- alcoholic fatty liver disease among type-2 diabetes mellitus patients – A cross-sectional hospital based study

Background: The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has been estimated to be between 20% and 30% in the general population, but this value is much higher (approximately 70-80%) in type 2 diabetes patients, who are also at higher risk of developing advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis As a result of epidemic increase in obesity, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus patients, the prevalence of NAFLD in the general population is increasing. Objective of the study: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of NAFLD in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Methods: A cross sectional hospital based study was conducted on a total 1750 type - 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending Diabetes Centre, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Belagavi. Patients with known chronic liver disease and history of alcohol intake were excluded. These patients were evaluated by abdominal ultrasonography to determine the presence of fatty liver. They were divided into fatty liver group and non fatty liver group; and were further evaluated by measurement of body mass index, HbA1c, liver function tests and lipid profile. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 14.0. Results: Out of 1750 patients, screened for the presence of NAFLD, males were 1152 and females 598. Group A comprised NAFLD patients (10.51%) and Group B Non-NAFLD patients (7.02%). Conclusion: Our study showed that the NAFLD is an integral part of cluster of abnormalities such as dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension and obesity. Age and duration of diabetes are also important contributing factors in occurrence of NAFLD.