Advanced Liver Fibrosis Is Common in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Followed in the Outpatient Setting: The Need for Systematic Screening

Associations between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, chronic kidney disease, and abdominal obesity: a national retrospective cohort study

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) present notable health challenges, however, abdominal obesity has received scant attention despite its potential role in exacerbating these conditions. Thus, we conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys III (NHANES III) of the United States from 1988 to 1994 including 9161 participants, and mortality follow-up survey in 2019. Statistical analyze including univariable and multivariable Logistic and Cox regression models, and Mediation effect analyze were applied in study after adjustment for covariates. Our findings revealed that individuals with both abdominal obesity and MAFLD were more likely to be female, older and exhibit higher prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis (7.421% vs. 2.363%, p < 0.001), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (21.484% vs. 8.318%, p < 0.001) and CKD(30.306% vs. 16.068%, p < 0.001) compared to those with MAFLD alone. MAFLD (adjusted OR: 1.392, 95% CI 1.013-1.913, p = 0.041), abdominal obesity (adjusted OR 1.456, 95% CI 1.127-1.880, p = 0.004), abdominal obesity with MAFLD (adjusted OR 1.839, 95% CI 1.377-2.456, p < 0.001), advanced fibrosis(adjusted OR 1.756, 95% CI 1.178-2.619, p = 0.006) and T2DM (adjusted OR 2.365, 95% CI 1.758-3.183, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors of CKD. The abdominal obese MAFLD group had the highest all-cause mortality as well as mortality categorized by disease during the 30-year follow-up period. Indices for measuring abdominal obesity, such as waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and lipid accumulation product (LAP), elucidated a greater mediation effect of MAFLD on CKD compared to BMI on CKD (proportion mediation 65.23%,70.68%, 71.98%, respectively vs. 32.63%). In conclusion, the coexistence of abdominal obesity and MAFLD increases the prevalence and mortality of CKD, and abdominal obesity serves as a mediator in the association between MAFLD and CKD.

Surveillance of the liver in type 2 diabetes: important but unfeasible?

Fatty liver plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. According to an updated classification, any individual with liver steatosis and one or more features of the metabolic syndrome, without excess alcohol consumption or other known causes of steatosis, has metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Up to 60-70% of all individuals with type 2 diabetes have MASLD. However, the prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis in type 2 diabetes remains uncertain, with reported estimates of 10-20% relying on imaging tests and likely overestimating the true prevalence. All stages of MASLD impact prognosis but fibrosis is the best predictor of all-cause and liver-related mortality risk. People with type 2 diabetes face a two- to threefold increase in the risk of liver-related death and hepatocellular carcinoma, with 1.3% progressing to severe liver disease over 7.7 years. Because reliable methods for detecting steatosis are lacking, MASLD mostly remains an incidental finding on imaging. Regardless, several medical societies advocate for universal screening of individuals with type 2 diabetes for advanced fibrosis. Proposed screening pathways involve annual calculation of the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, followed by a secondary test such as transient elastography (TE) for intermediate-to-high-risk individuals. However, owing to unsatisfactory biomarker specificity, these pathways are expected to channel approximately 40% of all individuals with type 2 diabetes to TE and 20% to tertiary care, with a false discovery rate of up to 80%, raising concerns about feasibility. There is thus an urgent need to develop more effective strategies for surveying the liver in type 2 diabetes. Nonetheless, weight loss through lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapy or bariatric surgery remains the cornerstone of management, proving highly effective not only for metabolic comorbidities but also for MASLD. Emerging evidence suggests that fibrosis biomarkers may serve as tools for risk-based targeting of weight-loss interventions and potentially for monitoring response to therapy.

The impact of an increased Fibrosis-4 index and the severity of hepatic steatosis on mortality in individuals living with diabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Data on the effects of liver fibrosis and hepatic steatosis on outcomes in individuals living with diabetes are limited. Therefore, we investigated the predictive value of the fibrosis and the severity of hepatic steatosis for all-cause mortality in individuals living with diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 1903 patients with diabetes from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) dataset were enrolled. Presumed hepatic fibrosis was evaluated with Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4). The mortality risk and corresponding hazard ratio (HR) were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 19.4 years, all-cause deaths occurred in 69.6%. FIB-4 ≥ 1.3 was an independent predictor of mortality in individuals living with diabetes (HR 1.219, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.067-1.392, p = 0.004). Overall, FIB-4 ≥ 1.3 without moderate-severe steatosis increased the mortality risk (HR 1.365; 95%CI 1.147-1.623, p < 0.001). The similar results were found in individuals living with diabetes with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) (HR 1.499; 95%CI 1.065-2.110, p = 0.020), metabolic syndrome (MetS) (HR 1.397; 95%CI 1.086-1.796, p = 0.009) or abdominal obesity (HR 1.370; 95%CI 1.077-1.742, p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

Liver fibrosis, as estimated by FIB-4, may serve as a more reliable prognostic indicator for individuals living with diabetes than hepatic steatosis. Individuals living with diabetes with FIB-4 ≥ 1.3 without moderate-severe steatosis had a significantly increased all-cause mortality risk. These findings highlight the importance of identifying and monitoring those individuals, as they may benefit from further evaluation and risk stratification.

Prognostic Value of Fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) Index in Sepsis Patients

BACKGROUND

Sepsis remains a major health challenge worldwide, characterized by a dysregulated host response to infection, leading to high mortality and morbidity in intensive care units (ICUs). The Fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) index, originally developed to assess liver fibrosis in hepatitis C patients, has recently been explored for its potential prognostic value in sepsis patients.

METHOD

this study retrospectively analyzed 309 sepsis patients admitted to the Internal Medicine and An-aesthesia ICUs between 12 December 2021 and 15 December 2023 to investigate the relationship between FIB-4 levels, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE), the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

This study found that higher FIB-4 measurements were statistically significantly associated with increased 28-day mortality, with a cut-off value of 4.9, providing a sensitivity of 54.92% and specificity of 74.25%. Logistic regression analysis indicated that elevated FIB-4 levels were a significant predictor of early mortality, suggesting that the FIB-4 index could serve as a valuable prognostic tool in assessing the severity and prognosis of sepsis patients.

CONCLUSIONS

by elucidating the potential role of the FIB-4 index in sepsis prognosis, this study contributes to the ongoing efforts to improve risk stratification and enhance patient care in sepsis management.

Coronary artery disease as a risk factor for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and liver fibrosis

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are at an increased cardiovascular risk. On the contrary, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, it is not known whether patients with significant CHD show a higher frequency of liver fibrosis. This study aimed to determine the frequency of MASLD and liver fibrosis in patients with CHD and to assess whether coronary stenosis is significantly associated with MASLD and fibrosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This observational and analytical study included adult patients without any known liver disease who underwent coronary angiography for suspected coronary artery disease (Jul 2021-Jul 2022). The presence of significant CHD (> 50 % stenosis of at least one coronary artery) was determined. Liver elastography (FibroScan®) was performed up to 6 months after the coronary angiographic study to determine liver fibrosis, a measurement of liver stiffness (> 6.5 Kpa). Fisher's test, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression models were used (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The study included 113 patients (76 % men, average age: 63 years [standard deviation: 9.9]), of which 72 % presented with significant CHD. The prevalence rate of MASLD was 52 %. Liver fibrosis was present in 12 % of the patients and all patients in the significant CHD group (p = 0.007). An increase in the number of vessels with significant CHD increased the probability of liver fibrosis (odds ratio, 1.79; 95 % confidence interval, 1.06-3.04; p = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

MASLD is highly prevalent in patients with significant CHD but without known liver damage. These data suggest that MASLD and liver fibrosis should be investigated in patients with CHD. The presence of confounding variables, especially the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, should be evaluated in further studies.

The hidden epidemic: Uncovering incidental fatty liver disease and its metabolic comorbidities by datamining in a hospital data lake - A real-world cohort study

AIMS

To identify individuals with incidental fatty liver disease (FLD), and to evaluate its prevalence, metabolic co-morbidities and impact on follow-up.

METHODS

We leveraged the data-lake of Helsinki Uusimaa Hospital district (Finland) with a population of 1.7 million (specialist and primary care). A phrase recognition script on abdominal imaging reports (2008-2020) identified/excluded FLD or cirrhosis; we extracted ICD-codes, laboratory and BMI data.

RESULTS

Excluding those with other liver diseases, the prevalence of FLD was 29% (steatosis yes/no, N=61,271/155,521; cirrhosis, N=3502). The false positive and negative rates were 5-6%. Only 1.6% of the FLD cases had the ICD code recorded and 32% had undergone full clinical evaluation for associated co-morbidities. Of the 35-65-year-old individuals with FLD, 20% had diabetes, 42% prediabetes and 28% a high liver fibrosis index. FLD was independently predicted by diabetes (OR 1.56, CI 1.46-1.66, p = 2.3 * 10^-41), BMI (1.46, 1.42-1.50, p = 1.7 * 10^-154) and plasma triglyceride level (1.5, 1.43-1.57, p = 3.5 * 10^-68). Alanine aminotransferase level mildly increased (1.12, 1.08-1.16, p = 2.2 * 10^-9) and high age decreased the risk (0.92, 0.89-0.94, p = 4.65*10^-09). Half of the cases had normal ALT.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidental radiological finding of FLD is reliable and associated with metabolic risks but largely ignored, although it should lead to metabolic and hepatic follow-up.

Accuracy of a sequential algorithm based on FIB-4 and ELF to identify high-risk advanced liver fibrosis at the primary care level

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease, and liver fibrosis is the strongest predictor of morbimortality. We aimed to assess the performance of a sequential algorithm encompassing the Fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) and Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) scores for identifying patients at risk of advanced fibrosis. This cross-sectional study included one hospital-based cohort with biopsy-proven NAFLD (n = 140) and two primary care cohorts from different clinical settings: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) follow-up (n = 141) and chronic liver disease (CLD) initial study (n = 138). Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess liver fibrosis diagnosis models based on FIB-4 and ELF biomarkers. The sequential algorithm retrieved the following accuracy parameters in predicting stages F3-4 in the biopsy-confirmed cohort: sensitivity (85%), specificity (73%), negative predictive value (79%) and positive predictive value (81%). In both T2D and CLD cohorts, a total of 28% of patients were classified as stages F3-4. Furthermore, of all F3-4 classified patients in the T2D cohort, 80% had a diagnosis of liver disease and 44% were referred to secondary care. Likewise, of all F3-4 classified patients in the CLD cohort, 71% had a diagnosis of liver disease and 44% were referred to secondary care. These results suggest the potential utility of this algorithm as a liver fibrosis stratifying tool in primary care, where updating referral protocols to detect high-risk F3-4 is needed. FIB-4 and ELF sequential measurement is an efficient strategy to prioritize patients with high risk of F3-4 in populations with metabolic risk factors.

The interplay between diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study from Pakistan

Background and objectives

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by ectopic deposition of fat in the liver, in the absence of other secondary causes of fat buildup. The relationship between NAFLD, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), is important for predicting the severity of disease and prognosis. This study aims to investigate the association of HbA1c in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with NAFLD via measuring the ALT levels.

Materials and methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study enroled 130 patients with T2DM and NAFLD. The association between levels of HbA1c and ALT in patients of NAFLD with controlled and uncontrolled T2DM, respectively, was investigated. Stratification was done based on gender and diabetic control, using HbA1c levels as a marker of glycemic control. Serum ALT levels were also compared in both groups.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 50.2±5.7 years. The total participants were 130, of which 77 (59.3%) were females and 53 (40.7%) were males. The numbers of patients having uncontrolled T2DM (HbA1c>7%), and controlled T2DM (HbA1c <7%) were 78 (60%) and 52 (40%), respectively. Moreover, 46 (35.3%) females and 32 (24.7%) males had uncontrolled T2DM, and 31 (23.8%) females and 21 (16.2%) males had controlled T2DM. The mean ALT level for uncontrolled and controlled T2DM in female patients was found to be 24.6±3.4 and 13.5±2.4, respectively, (P <0.05). For male patients, it was found to be 54.0±4.9 and 29.1±5.4, respectively (P=0.008).

Conclusion

There is a positive association between elevated HbA1c and ALT levels in T2DM patients with NAFLD.

Epidemiology of NAFLD - Focus on diabetes

There is increasing appreciation of the complex interaction between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and insulin resistance. Not only is the prevalence of NAFLD disease high among patients with T2D, the liver disease is also more progressive. Currently, the global prevalence of NAFLD in the general population (2016-2019) is 38 %. The prevalence of T2D among those with NAFLD is approximately 23 % while the prevalence of NAFLD among those with T2D can be as high as 70 %. The prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is approximately 7 % in the general population and 37 % among patients with T2D. Globally, the MENA and Latin America regions of the world appear to have the highest burden of both NAFLD and T2D. Compared to those with NAFLD but without T2D, those with NAFLD and T2D are at a much higher risk for disease progression to cirrhosis and for decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and all-cause mortality. Given that highly effective new treatments are available for T2D, high risk NAFLD with T2D should be considered for these regimens. This requires implementation of risk stratification algorithms in the primary care and endocrinology practices to identify those patients at highest risk for adverse outcomes.

LiverRisk score: An accurate, cost-effective tool to predict fibrosis, liver-related, and diabetes-related mortality in the general population

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive and early assessment of liver fibrosis is of great significance and is challenging. We aimed to evaluate the predictive performance and cost-effectiveness of the LiverRisk score for liver fibrosis and liver-related and diabetes-related mortality in the general population.

METHODS

The general population from the NHANES 2017-March 2020, NHANES 1999-2018, and UK Biobank 2006-2010 were included in the cross-sectional cohort (n = 3,770), along with the NHANES follow-up cohort (n = 25,317) and the UK Biobank follow-up cohort (n = 17,259). The cost-effectiveness analysis was performed using TreeAge Pro software. Liver stiffness measurements ≥10 kPa were defined as compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD).

FINDINGS

Compared to conventional scores, the LiverRisk score had significantly better accuracy and calibration in predicting liver fibrosis, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.76 (0.72-0.79) for cACLD. According to the updated thresholds of LiverRisk score (6 and 10), we reclassified the population into three groups: low, medium, and high risk. The AUCs of LiverRisk score for predicting liver-related and diabetes-related mortality at 5, 10, and 15 years were all above 0.8, with better performance than the Fibrosis-4 score. Furthermore, compared to the low-risk group, the medium-risk and high-risk groups in the two follow-up cohorts had a significantly higher risk of liver-related and diabetes-related mortality. Finally, the cost-effectiveness analysis showed that the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for LiverRisk score compared to FIB-4 was USD $18,170 per additional quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained, below the willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000/QALY.

CONCLUSIONS

The LiverRisk score is an accurate, cost-effective tool to predict liver fibrosis and liver-related and diabetes-related mortality in the general population.

FUNDING

The National Natural Science Foundation of China (nos. 82330060, 92059202, and 92359304); the Key Research and Development Program of Jiangsu Province (BE2023767a); the Fundamental Research Fund of Southeast University (3290002303A2); Changjiang Scholars Talent Cultivation Project of Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University (2023YJXYYRCPY03); and the Research Personnel Cultivation Program of Zhongda Hospital Southeast University (CZXM-GSP-RC125).

The Global Epidemiology of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now known as metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is closely associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Our aim was to estimate the most recent global prevalence of NAFLD/MASLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), now known as metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH), advanced fibrosis, and mortality among patients with T2D.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE for terms including NAFLD, NASH, and T2D published in 1990-2023 according to PRISMA. The meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. Assessment of bias risk used the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tool.

RESULTS

From 3134 studies included in the initial search, 123 studies (N = 2,224,144 patients with T2D) were eligible. Another 12 studies (N = 2733 T2D patients with liver biopsy) were eligible for histologic assessments. The global pooled prevalence of NAFLD/MASLD among patients with T2D was 65.33% (95% confidence interval, 62.35%-68.18%). This prevalence increased from 55.86% (42.38%-68.53%) in 1990-2004 to 68.81% (63.41%-73.74%) in 2016-2021 (P = .073). The highest NAFLD/MASLD prevalence among T2D patients was observed in Eastern Europe (80.62%, 75.72%-84.73%), followed by the Middle East (71.24%, 62.22%-78.84%), and was lowest in Africa (53.10%, 26.05%-78.44%). Among patients with liver biopsy data, the global pooled prevalence of NASH/MASH, significant fibrosis, and advanced fibrosis was 66.44% (56.61%-75.02%), 40.78% (24.24%-59.70%), and 15.49% (6.99%-30.99%), respectively. The pooled all-cause mortality was 16.79 per 1000 person-years (PY) (10.64-26.40), 4.19 per 1000 PY (1.34-7.05) for cardiac-specific mortality; 6.10 per 1000 PY (0.78-4.88) for extrahepatic cancer-specific mortality; and 2.15 per 1000 PY (0.00-2.21) for liver-specific mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of NAFLD/MASLD among T2D is high and growing. The majority of NAFLD/MASLD patients with T2D have NASH/MASH, and a significant proportion have advanced fibrosis.

The evil relationship between liver fibrosis and cardiovascular disease in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD): Looking for the culprit

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), the hepatic component of the metabolic syndrome caused by insulin resistance, is a major public health problem, affecting about the 25 % of the general population in Western countries. Morbidity and mortality of MAFLD patients is increased primarily due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Liver fibrosis, the byproduct of hepatic repair, is the main determinant of MAFLD progression and the strongest predictor for overall mortality. Since the mechanistic relationship between MAFLD, fibrosis, insulin resistance and the cardiometabolic risk is far to be clear, deciphering the functional link of hepatic fibrogenesis with genetic factors and hypercoagulability in MAFLD-associated CVD may hold translational potential for risk profiling and innovative therapeutic targeting.

Non-invasive tools for liver steatosis and steatohepatitis predict incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality 20 years later: The ATTICA cohort study (2002-2022)

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or, as recently renamed, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), has common metabolic pathways with diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Non-invasive tools (NITs) for liver steatosis and steatohepatitis (MASH) were studied as potential predictors of diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality over a 20-year period.

METHODS

In 2001-02, 3042 individuals from the Attica region of Greece were recruited randomly, and were stratified by subgroups of sex, age and region to reflect the general urban population in Athens, Greece. Validated NITs for hepatic steatosis (Hepatic Steatosis Index (HIS), Fatty Liver Index (FLI), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), NAFLD liver fat score (NAFLD-LFS)) and steatohepatitis (Index of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (ION), aminotransferase-creatinine-clearance non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (acNASH)) were calculated. Incidence of diabetes, CVD and mortality were recorded 5, 10 and 20 years later.

RESULTS

Within a 20-year observation period, the diabetes and CVD incidence was 26.3% and 36.1%, respectively. All hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis NITs were independently associated with diabetes incidence. ION and acNASH presented independent association with CVD incidence [(Hazard Ratio (HR)per 1 standard deviation (SD) = 1.33, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) (1.07, 1.99)) and (HRper 1 SD = 1.77, 95% CI (1.05, 2.59)), respectively]. NAFLD-LFS which is a steatosis NIT indicating features of steatohepatitis, was linked with increased CVD mortality (HRper 1 SD = 1.35, 95% CI (1.00, 2.30)) and all-cause mortality (HRper 1 SD = 1.43, 95% CI (1.08, 2.01)). Overall, steatohepatitis NITs (i.e., ION and acNASH) presented stronger associations with the outcomes of interest compared with steatosis NITs. Clinically important trends were observed in relation to diabetes and CVD incidence progressively over time, i.e. 5, 10 and 20 years after baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Easily applicable and low-cost NITs representing steatohepatitis may be early predictors of diabetes and CVD onset. More importantly, these NITs increased the attributable risk conveyed by conventional CVD risk factors by 10%. Thus, their potential inclusion in clinical practice and guidelines should be studied further.

Systemic immune-inflammatory biomarkers (SII, NLR, PLR and LMR) linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease risk

Background

Systemic immune-inflammatory biomarkers including systemic immune inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) have been demonstrated to be associated with the risk and severity of various liver diseases. However, studies on their role and clinical significance in metabolic diseases, especially in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are limited and results are inconsistent.

Methods

10821 adults aged 20 years or older were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, sourced from six cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Survey-weighted logistic regression was employed to investigate the correlation between systemic immune-inflammatory biomarkers (SII, NLR, PLR, and LMR) and NAFLD risk. Restricted cubic spline regression models and segmented regression models were used to describe nonlinear relationships and threshold effects. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also conducted.

Results

After adjusting for all confounding variables, there was a significant positive association observed between ln-transformed SII (OR= 1.46, 95% CI: 1.27-1.69, P <0.001), NLR (OR= 1.25, 95% CI: 1.05-1.49, P =0.015), LMR (OR= 1.39, 95% CI: 1.14-1.69, P = 0.002) with NAFLD. A nonlinear dose-response relationship with an inverted "U"-shaped threshold of 4.64 was observed between ln(PLR) and NAFLD risk. When ln(PLR) was below 4.64, each unit increase in ln(PLR) was associated with a 0.55-fold increase in the risk of NAFLD (OR= 1.55, 95% CI: 1.05-2.31, P <0.05). Conversely, when ln(PLR) exceeded 4.64, each unit increase in ln(PLR) was associated with a 0.40-fold decrease in the risk of NAFLD (OR= 0.60, 95% CI. 0.44-0.81, P <0.05).

Conclusion

ln-transformed SII, NLR, and LMR were linearly associated with NAFLD risk. ln(PLR) showed an inverted "U"-shaped nonlinear dose-response relationship with the risk of NAFLD.

Association of Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis Indices With Insulin Sensitivity and Inflammation in the POP-ABC Study

Context

The cardiometabolic significance of subclinical liver fat in otherwise healthy individuals is unclear.

Objective

This work aimed to evaluate the association of hepatic steatosis/fibrosis with cardiometabolic risk markers and incident prediabetes among healthy adults.

Methods

This is a post hoc analysis of data from the Pathobiology of Prediabetes in a Biracial Cohort (POP-ABC) study. The participants underwent assessments, including clinical examination, oral glucose tolerance test, insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and adiponectin levels, with the primary outcome of incident prediabetes during 5-year follow-up. Liver steatosis and fibrosis were assessed using the hepatic steatosis index (HSI) and the Fibrosis-4 (Fib-4) index, and participants were stratified by baseline quartiles (Q) of each index.

Results

Among 343 (193 African American, 150 European American) participants (mean age 44.2 ± 10.6 years, body mass index 30.2 ± 7.28, fasting glucose 91.8 ± 6.80 mg/dL, and 2-hour glucose 125 ± 26.5 mg/dL), the mean baseline HSI was 39.7 ± 8.21 and Fib-4 index was 0.80 ± 0.41. Baseline HSI correlated with insulin sensitivity (r = -0.44; P < .0001), hsCRP (r = 0.37; P < .0001), and adiponectin (r = -0.24; P < .0001), as did Fib-4 index: insulin sensitivity (r = 0.14; P = .046), hsCRP (r = -0.17; P = .0021), adiponectin (r = -0.22; P < .0001). During 5 years of follow-up, prediabetes occurred in 16.2%, 21.6%, 31.5%, and 30.6% among participants in Q1 to Q4 of baseline HSI, respectively (log-rank P = .02). The prediabetes hazard ratio was 1.138 (95% CI, 1.027-1.261) for baseline HSI.

Conclusion

Among initially normoglycemic individuals, hepatic steatosis predicted progression to prediabetes, probably via mechanisms that involve insulin resistance and inflammation.

The Emerging Role of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects 1 in 3-4 adult individuals and can progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and cirrhosis. Insulin resistance plays a central role in MASLD/MASH pathophysiology with higher rates of MASLD (2 in 3) and MASH with fibrosis (1 in 5) in adults with obesity and diabetes. This review summarizes the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in treating MASLD/MASH. Although not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of MASLD, this class of medication is available to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes and has been shown to reverse steatohepatitis, reduce cardiovascular risk, and is safe to use across the spectrum of MASLD with or without fibrosis.

Pharmacological Approaches to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Current and Future Therapies

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more severe form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), can promote the development of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Similarly, type 2 diabetes confers the greatest risk for the development of NASH, especially when associated with obesity. Although lifestyle changes are critical to success, early implementation of pharmacological treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes are essential to treat NASH and avoid disease progression. This article reviews current guidance regarding the use of pharmacological agents such as pioglitazone, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in the setting of NAFLD and NASH. It also reviews the latest information on new drugs currently being investigated for the treatment of NASH.

Making Sense of the Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Clinical Practice Guidelines: What Clinicians Need to Know

Standards of care summarized in clinical practice guidelines for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) offer clinicians a streamlined diagnostic and management approach based on the best available evidence. These recommendations have changed a great deal in recent years; today, there is a clear focus on screening for the early identification and risk stratification of patients at high risk of steatohepatitis and clinically significant fibrosis to promote timely referrals to specialty care when needed. This article reviews and provides the rationale for current guidelines for NAFLD screening, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring and addresses barriers to providing evidence-based NAFLD care and how to overcome them. The current paradigm of care calls for primary care clinicians and specialists to work together, within a multidisciplinary care team familiar with obesity and diabetes care, to provide comprehensive management of these complex patients.

Role of Insulin Resistance in the Development of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in People With Type 2 Diabetes: From Bench to Patient Care

Insulin resistance is implicated in both the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression from steatosis to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma, which is known to be more common in people with type 2 diabetes. This article reviews the role of insulin resistance in the metabolic dysfunction observed in obesity, type 2 diabetes, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and hypertension and how it is a driver of the natural history of NAFLD by promoting glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity. The authors also review the genetic and environmental factors that stimulate steatohepatitis and fibrosis progression and their relationship with cardiovascular disease and summarize guidelines supporting the treatment of NAFLD with diabetes medications that reduce insulin resistance, such as pioglitazone or glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists.

Untargeted Metabolomic Analyses and Antilipidemic Effects of Citrus Physiological Premature Fruit Drop

Increasingly globally prevalent obesity and related metabolic disorders have underscored the demand for safe and natural therapeutic approaches, given the limitations of weight loss drugs and surgeries. This study compared the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of five different varieties of citrus physiological premature fruit drop (CPFD). Untargeted metabolomics was employed to identify variations in metabolites among different CPFDs, and their antilipidemic effects in vitro were assessed. The results showed that Citrus aurantium L. 'Daidai' physiological premature fruit drop (DDPD) and Citrus aurantium 'Changshan-huyou' physiological premature fruit drop (HYPD) exhibited higher levels of phytochemicals and stronger antioxidant activity. There were 97 differential metabolites identified in DDPD and HYPD, including phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, organic acids, terpenes, and lipids. Additionally, DDPD and HYPD demonstrated potential antilipidemic effects against oleic acid (OA)-induced steatosis in HepG2 hepatocytes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In conclusion, our findings reveal the outstanding antioxidant activity and antilipidemic effects of CPFD, indicating its potential use as a natural antioxidant and health supplement and promoting the high-value utilization of this resource.

Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease: Current practice, screening guidelines and management in the primary care setting

Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the United States with rapidly rising prevalence. There have been significant changes recently in the field with screening now recommended for patients at risk for significant liver fibrosis in primary care and endocrine settings, along with clear guidance for management of metabolic comorbidities and changes in nomenclature. This paper serves as a summary of recent guidance for the primary care physician focusing on identifying appropriate patients for screening, selecting suitable screening modalities, and determining when referral to specialty care is necessary. The hope is that providers will shift away from past practices of utilizing liver tests alone as a screening tool and shift towards fibrosis screening in patients at risk for significant fibrosis. This culture change will allow for earlier identification of patients at risk for end stage liver disease and serious liver related complications, and overall improved patient care.

Limitations of Noninvasive Tests-Based Population-Level Risk Stratification Strategy for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are highly prevalent but underdiagnosed.

AIMS

We used an electronic health record data network to test a population-level risk stratification strategy using noninvasive tests (NITs) of liver fibrosis.

METHODS

Data were obtained from PCORnet® sites in the East, Midwest, Southwest, and Southeast United States from patients aged [Formula: see text] 18 with or without ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes for NAFLD, NASH, and NASH-cirrhosis between 9/1/2017 and 8/31/2020. Average and standard deviations (SD) for Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), and Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) were estimated by site for each patient cohort. Sample-wide estimates were calculated as weighted averages across study sites.

RESULTS

Of 11,875,959 patients, 0.8% and 0.1% were coded with NAFLD and NASH, respectively. NAFLD diagnosis rates in White, Black, and Hispanic patients were 0.93%, 0.50%, and 1.25%, respectively, and for NASH 0.19%, 0.04%, and 0.16%, respectively. Among undiagnosed patients, insufficient EHR data for estimating NITs ranged from 68% (FIB-4) to 76% (NFS). Predicted prevalence of NAFLD by HSI was 60%, with estimated prevalence of advanced fibrosis of 13% by NFS and 7% by FIB-4. Approximately, 15% and 23% of patients were classified in the intermediate range by FIB-4 and NFS, respectively. Among NAFLD-cirrhosis patients, a third had FIB-4 scores in the low or intermediate range.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified several potential barriers to a population-level NIT-based screening strategy. HSI-based NAFLD screening appears unrealistic. Further research is needed to define merits of NFS- versus FIB-4-based strategies, which may identify different high-risk groups.

Potential roles of HSYA in attenuating sepsis-induced liver injury through multi-omics analysis

Liver injury is a strong independent predictor of mortality in patients with sepsis, in which gut dysbiosis plays a crucial role. Hydroxyl safflower yellow A (HSYA), an important component of safflower, has been used to treat liver injury in animal models. However, its role in sepsis-induced liver dysfunction and the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, we first discussed the discrepancy in the gut microbiota between the cecal ligation puncture (CLP) and HSYA groups using 16 S RNA sequencing. Our data demonstrated that HSYA supplementation significantly decreased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Campylobacterota, and further decreased the abundance of Bacteroidota, suggesting that the protective effects of HSYA against sepsis-induced liver injury may be partially attributed to the alteration of these bacteria. In addition, the metabolomic data identified 823 differentially expressed metabolites associated with sepsis-induced liver injury. After HSYA supplementation, the levels of 56 metabolites were restored to sham-like levels. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 4990 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the sham and CLP groups, and after HSYA injection, 1613 genes were modulated. Comprehensive analysis demonstrated that the enrichment pathways of the 903 DEGs mainly focused on inflammatory responses, amino acid metabolism, and Lipid reactions. In conclusion, our study revealed the potential mechanism of action of HSYA in sepsis-induced liver injury through a comprehensive analysis of 16 S RNA sequencing, metabolomics, and transcriptomics, thus providing a theoretical basis for further clinical applications of HSYA.

Monocyte-to-High-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol Ratio Predicts Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease

Purpose

The incidence of non-B and non-C hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC-HCC) is increasing globally. Metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been a contributing factor to this rising trend in NBNC-HCC incidence. The monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio (MHR) is a new prognostic marker that connects systemic inflammation with disorders of lipid metabolism. Therefore, MHR may be a potential prognostic predictor of patients with MAFLD-related HCC (MAFLD-HCC). This study aims to investigate the relationship between the MHR and prognosis of patients with MAFLD-HCC and construct a novel prognostic prediction tool for MAFLD-HCC.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective study of patients with MAFLD-HCC included training (n = 112) and internal validation (n = 37) cohorts. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors of survival. A visual nomogram was constructed to assess the performance of the two groups. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves were used to verify the prognostic discriminative ability of this nomogram, even in the MHR, ALBI grade, and MHR-ALBI model.

Results

Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that extrahepatic metastases, Vascular invasion, Barcelona staging B, C, D, elevated ALBI Grade 3, C-reactive protein (CRP), and MHR were independent risk factors for the prognosis of MAFLD-HCC. Moreover, calibration plots showed good discrimination and consistency when the significant factors were entered into the nomogram. Meanwhile, the MHR strongly correlated with the prognosis of cancer under a background of MAFLD-HCC, with a sensitivity of 88.89% and a specificity of 79.61%. Importantly, the performance of the MHR alone (AUC = 86.2) was not only superior to the ALBI grade (AUC = 63.8) but was comparable to the combination of MHR and ALBI (AUC = 88.5).

Conclusion

The novel nomogram demonstrated good value in predicting the overall survival of patients with MAFLD-HCC. The MHR may be a potential predictor of prognosis.

The Use of Noninvasive Velacur® for Discriminating between Volunteers and Patients with Chronic Liver Disease: A Feasibility Study

Background and Aims

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the leading cause of chronic liver disease globally and can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Current AASLD, AGA, and ADA guidelines recommend assessment for liver fibrosis in all patients with NAFLD. Serum biomarkers for fibrosis, while widely available, have notable limitations. Imaging-based noninvasive testing for liver fibrosis/cirrhosis is more accurate and is becoming more widespread.

Methods

We evaluated the feasibility of a novel shear wave absolute vibroelastography (S-WAVE) modality called Velacur® for assessing liver stiffness measurement (LSM) for fibrosis and attenuation coefficient estimation (ACE) in differentiating patients with chronic liver disease from normal healthy controls.

Results

Fifty-four healthy controls and 89 patients with NAFLD or cured HCV with a prior known LSM of >8 kPa were enrolled, and all subjects were evaluated with FibroScan® and Velacur®. Velacur® was able to discriminate patients with increased liver stiffness as determined by a FibroScan® score of >8 kPa from healthy controls with an AUC of 0.938 (0.88-0.96). For assessment of steatosis in NAFLD patients only, Velacur® could identify patients with steatosis from healthy controls with an AUC of 0.831 (0.777-0.880). The Velacur® scan quality assessment was superior in healthy controls, as compared to patients, and the scan quality, as assessed by the quality factor (QF) and interquartile range (IQR)/median, was affected by BMI. Velacur® was safe and well tolerated by patients, and there were no adverse events.

Conclusion

Velacur® assessment of liver stiffness measurement and liver attenuation is comparable to results obtained by FibroScan® and is an alternative technology for monitoring liver fibrosis progression in patients with chronic liver disease. This trial is registered with NCT03957070.

Implementation of a liver health check in people with type 2 diabetes

As morbidity and mortality related to potentially preventable liver diseases are on the rise globally, early detection of liver fibrosis offers a window of opportunity to prevent disease progression. Early detection of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease allows for initiation and reinforcement of guidance on bodyweight management, risk stratification for advanced liver fibrosis, and treatment optimisation of diabetes and other metabolic complications. Identification of alcohol-related liver disease provides the opportunity to support patients with detoxification and abstinence programmes. In all patient groups, identification of cirrhosis ensures that patients are enrolled in surveillance programmes for hepatocellular carcinoma and portal hypertension. When considering early detection strategies, success can be achieved from applying ad-hoc screening for liver fibrosis in established frameworks of care. Patients with type 2 diabetes are an important group to consider case findings of advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, as up to 19% have advanced fibrosis (which is ten times higher than the general population) and almost 70% have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Additionally, patients with type 2 diabetes with alcohol use disorders have the highest proportion of liver-related morbidity of people with type 2 diabetes generally. Patients with type 2 diabetes receive an annual diabetes review as part of their routine clinical care, in which the health of many organs are considered. Yet, liver health is seldom included in this review. This Viewpoint argues that augmenting the existing risk stratification strategy with an additional liver health check provides the opportunity to detect advanced liver fibrosis, thereby opening a window for early interventions to prevent end-stage liver disease and its complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma.

4. Comprehensive Medical Evaluation and Assessment of Comorbidities: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Associations of Serum Iron Status with MAFLD and Liver Fibrosis in the USA: a Nationwide Cross-Section Study

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new terminology characterized by liver steatosis. Iron status is related to many metabolic diseases. However, the researches on the associations of serum iron status with MAFLD are limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations of serum iron status biomarkers with MAFLD and liver fibrosis. A total of 5892 adults were enrolled in the current cross-sectional study using the 2017-March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Liver steatosis and liver fibrosis were defined by the median values of controlled attenuation parameter ≥ 274 dB/m and liver stiffness measurement ≥ 8 kPa, respectively. The multivariable logistic/linear regression and restricted cubic spline analysis were conducted. After adjusting for potential confounders, higher ferritin levels were associated with higher odds of MAFLD (OR 4.655; 95% CI 2.301, 9.418) and liver fibrosis (OR 7.013; 95% CI 3.910, 12.577). Lower iron levels were associated with a higher prevalence of MAFLD (OR 0.622; 95% CI 0.458, 0.844) and liver fibrosis (OR 0.722; 95% CI 0.536, 0.974). Lower transferrin saturation (TSAT) was associated with a higher prevalence of MAFLD (OR 0.981; 95% CI 0.970, 0.991) and liver fibrosis (OR 0.988; 95% CI 0.979, 0.998). Higher ferritin levels, lower iron levels, and TSAT were associated with a higher prevalence of MAFLD and liver fibrosis. This study extended the knowledge of modifying iron status to prevent MAFLD and liver fibrosis. More prospective and mechanism studies were warranted to confirm the conclusions.

Prevalence and Crucial Parameters in Diabesity-Related Liver Fibrosis: A Preliminary Study

Diabetes and obesity have been recognized as confirmed risk factors for the occurrence of liver fibrosis. Despite the long-standing acknowledgment of "diabesity", the simultaneous existence of diabetes and obesity, scholarly literature has shown limited attention to this topic. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the prevalence of liver fibrosis among individuals with diabetes (specifically those who are obese) in order to identify the key factors associated with hepatofibrosis and determine the most important associations and differences between patients with and without liver fibrosis. The research included a total of 164 participants (48.17% had comorbid obesity). Liver elastography (Fibroscan) was performed on these individuals in addition to laboratory tests. Liver fibrosis was found in 34.76% of type 2 diabetes patients; male gender almost doubled the risk of hepatofibrosis (RR 1.81) and diabesity nearly tripled this risk (RR 2.81; however, in degree III of obesity, the risk was elevated to 3.65 times higher). Anisocytosis, thrombocytopenia, or elevated liver enzymes raised the incidence of liver fibrosis by 1.78 to 2.47 times. In these individuals, liver stiffness was negatively correlated with MCV, platelet count, and albumin concentration; GGTP activity and HbA1c percentage were positively correlated. The regression analysis results suggest that the concentration of albumin and the activity of GGTP are likely to have a substantial influence on the future management of liver fibrosis in patients with diabesity. The findings of this study can serve as the basis for subsequent investigations and actions focused on identifying potential therapeutic and diagnostic avenues.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and gut microbial dysbiosis- underlying mechanisms and gut microbiota mediated treatment strategies

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is by far the most prevalent form of liver disease worldwide. It's also the leading cause of liver-related hospitalizations and deaths. Furthermore, there is a link between obesity and NAFLD risk. A projected 25% of the world's population grieves from NAFLD, making it the most common chronic liver disorder. Several factors, such as obesity, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, typically accompany NAFLD. Weight loss, lipid-lowering agents, thiazolidinediones, and metformin help prominently control NAFLD. Interestingly, pre-clinical studies demonstrate gut microbiota's potential causal role in NAFLD. Increased intestinal permeability and unhindered transport of microbial metabolites into the liver are the major disruptions due to gut microbiome dysbiosis, contributing to the development of NAFLD by dysregulating the gut-liver axis. Hence, altering the pathogenic bacterial population using probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could benefit patients with NAFLD. Therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge the importance of microbiota-mediated therapeutic approaches for NAFLD and comprehend the underlying mechanisms that establish a connection between NAFLD and gut microbiota. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the affiliation between dysbiosis of gut microbiota and the progress of NAFLD, as well as the potential benefits of prebiotic, probiotic, synbiotic supplementation, and FMT in obese individuals with NAFLD.

NAFLD and type 2 diabetes: A practical guide for the joint management

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a major cause of liver disease-related morbidity, as well as mortality. Importantly, NAFLD is considered a mediator of systemic diseases including cardiovascular disease. Its prevalence is expected to increase, mainly due to its close association with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). In addition, T2D and NAFLD share common pathophysiological mechanisms, and one can lead to or worsen the other. Therefore, a close collaboration between primary care physician, endocrinologists and hepatologists is essential to optimize the management of patients with NAFLD and T2D. Here, we summarize relevant aspects about NAFLD and T2D that all clinician managing these patients should know as well as current therapeutic options for the treatment of T2D associated with NAFLD.

Clinical care pathway to detect advanced liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes through automated fibrosis score calculation and electronic reminder messages: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to test the hypothesis that automated fibrosis score calculation and electronic reminder messages could increase the detection of advanced liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.

DESIGN

In this pragmatic randomised controlled trial at five general medical or diabetes clinics in Hong Kong and Malaysia, we randomly assigned patients in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention group with Fibrosis-4 index and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index automatically calculated based on routine blood tests, followed by electronic reminder messages to alert clinicians of abnormal results, or the control group with usual care. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with increased fibrosis scores who received appropriate care (referred for hepatology care or specific fibrosis assessment) within 1 year.

RESULTS

Between May 2020 and Oct 2021, 1379 patients were screened, of whom 533 and 528 were assigned to the intervention and control groups, respectively. A total of 55 out of 165 (33.3%) patients with increased fibrosis scores in the intervention group received appropriate care, compared with 4 of 131 (3.1%) patients in the control group (difference 30.2% (95% CI 22.4% to 38%); p<0.001). Overall, 11 out of 533 (2.1%) patients in the intervention group and 1 out of 528 (0.2%) patients in the control group were confirmed to have advanced liver disease (difference 1.9% (95% CI 0.61% to 3.5%); p=0.006).

CONCLUSION

Automated fibrosis score calculation and electronic reminders can increase referral of patients with type 2 diabetes and abnormal fibrosis scores at non-hepatology settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04241575.

Allopurinol versus Febuxostat: A New Approach for the Management of Hepatic Steatosis in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) includes patients with hepatic steatosis and at least one of five cardiometabolic risk factors. Xanthine oxidase (XO) represents a treatment target for MASLD. We aimed to evaluate the effect of two xanthine oxidase inhibitors, allopurinol and febuxostat, plus lifestyle modifications compared to lifestyle modifications alone on improving steatosis. Ninety MASLD patients were assigned to one of three groups for three months. Patients with hyperuricemia were given either allopurinol 100 mg or febuxostat 40 mg daily, along with lifestyle modifications. The third control group was only given lifestyle modifications, excluding all patients with hyperuricemia due to ethical concerns. The primary outcome was to measure the change in the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score as an indicator of steatosis from baseline after three months. The secondary outcome was to measure the change in serum uric acid (SUA) three months from baseline. The study found that the CAP score decreased significantly in the allopurinol group (p = 0.009), but the decline in the febuxostat or lifestyle groups was non-significant (p = 0.189 and 0.054, respectively). The SUA levels were significantly reduced in both the allopurinol and febuxostat groups (p < 0.001), with no statistical difference between the two groups (p = 0.496).

Effects of Liver Fibrosis on Islet Function in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Complicated with Impaired Fasting Glucose

Background

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and cirrhosis often have impaired fasting glucose (IFG). This study sought to investigate the impact of liver fibrosis on islet function in individuals diagnosed with CHB and IFG.

Material and Methods

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were selected for this study. They were divided into low-risk (L-R), intermediate-risk (M-R), and high-risk (H-R) liver fibrosis groups based on the FIB-4 score. The study compared islet function among different risk groups of liver fibrosis and analyze the correlation between liver fibrosis and islet function. Additionally, the patients were divided into a diabetes mellitus (DM) group and a non-DM (NDM) group based on the development of DM. The cumulative risk of progression to DM in patients with L-R, M-R, and H-R liver fibrosis was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for DM development through Cox regression analysis.

Results

In this study of 228 individuals, higher FIB-4 scores were observed in the DM group compared to the NDM group. Patients with H-R liver fibrosis displayed lower islet function and had a significantly higher risk of developing DM. The FIB-4 score and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were identified as independent risk factors for DM progression in CHB patients with IFG.

Conclusion

Among patients with CHB and IFG, the severity of liver fibrosis is associated with islet function, and the FIB-4 score is a significant risk factor for DM development.

Plasma ceramides are associated with MRI-based liver fat content but not with noninvasive scores of liver fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

There is growing evidence that ceramides play a significant role in the onset and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a highly prevalent condition in patients with type 2 diabetes associated with hepatic and cardiovascular events. However, the relationship between plasma ceramide levels and NAFLD severity in type 2 diabetes remains unclear. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate whether circulating levels of ceramides in patients with type 2 diabetes are associated with liver steatosis assessed by the highly accurate magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). The secondary objective was to assess the relationship between plasma ceramides and noninvasive scores of liver fibrosis.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional single-center study, plasma concentrations of 7 ceramides were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in 255 patients with type 2 diabetes (GEPSAD cohort). Liver fat content was assessed by MRI-PDFF, and noninvasive scores of liver fibrosis (i.e. Fibrosis-4 index, NAFLD Fibrosis Score, FibroTest® and Fibrotic NASH Index) were calculated. A validation cohort of 80 patients with type 2 diabetes was also studied (LIRA-NAFLD cohort).

RESULTS

Liver steatosis, defined as a liver fat content > 5.56%, was found in 62.4 and 82.5% of individuals with type 2 diabetes in the GEPSAD and LIRA-NAFLD cohorts, respectively. In GEPSAD, MRI-PDFF-measured liver fat content was positively associated with plasma levels of total ceramides (r = 0.232, p = 0.0002), and 18:0, 20:0, 22:0 and 24:0 ceramides in univariate analysis (p ≤ 0.0003 for all). In multivariate analysis, liver fat content remained significantly associated with total ceramides (p = 0.001), 18:0 (p = 0.006), 22:0 (p = 0.0009) and 24:0 ceramides (p = 0.0001) in GEPSAD, independently of age, diabetes duration, body mass index and dyslipidemia. Overall, similar relationship between plasma ceramides and liver fat content was observed in the LIRA-NAFLD validation cohort. No significant association was found between plasma ceramides and noninvasive scores of fibrosis after adjustment for age in both cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma ceramide levels are associated with liver steatosis in patients with type 2 diabetes, independently of traditional risk factors for NAFLD. The independent association between plasma ceramides and liver steatosis adds new insights regarding the relationship between ceramides and NAFLD in type 2 diabetes.

Triglyceride glucose-waist circumference: the optimum index to screen nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in non-obese adults

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is easily neglected in the non-obese population. TyG index (triglyceride glucose Index) and TG/HDL-c (triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) are new indicators to evaluate insulin resistance (IR). Fibroscan is a non-invasive way to assess hepatic steatosis [by control attenuation parameters (CAP)] and fibrosis [by liver stiffness measurement (LSM)].The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation of TyG and its combination with obesity indicators [TyG-waist circumference (WC), TyG-body mass index (BMI)] and TG/HDL-c with CAP and LSM.

METHOD

One thousand seven hundred seventy-six adults (age ≥ 20 years, BMI < 30 kg/m2) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018 were included. The correlations of CAP and LSM to the indexes were assessed by generalized linear models.. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to evaluate the diagnostic capability of the indicators on NAFLD and liver stiffness.

RESULTS

Survey-weighted percentage of NAFLD in non-obese was 38.6%. In the fully adjusted models, there were positive associations of TyG, TyG-BMI, TyG-WC and TG/HDL-c to CAP, with the βs of 24.810, 0.704, 0.29 and 2.983 (all p < 0.05), respectively. There were positive associations of TyG, TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, and TG/HDL-c to NAFLD, with ORs of 3.387, 1.03, 1.010 and 1.281 ((all p < 0.05)).The positive association was detected for TG/HDL-c and TyG-WC and LSM with βs of 0.057 and 0.004(p = 0.021 and p = 0.003).TyG-WC were positively associated with liver stiffness with OR of 1.006(95%CI = 1.002, 1.012). Furthermore, the TyG-WC had the strongest diagnostic capability (ROC = 0.806; 95%CI: 0.785-0.826) on NAFLD in non-obese participants, with a specificity of 0.737 and sensitivity of 0.746.

CONCLUSION

In US non-obese population, the TyG, TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, and TG/HDL-c are positively correlated with CAP and NAFLD. TyG-WC has clinical importance in identifying NAFLD in the non-obese population.

Lower prevalence of elevated liver stiffness measurements in people with type 2 diabetes taking sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is very common and has an increased risk of clinically significant liver disease. The use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2i) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1a) receptor agonists is endorsed to reduce major cardiovascular events and/or progression of chronic kidney disease. Their prevalence of use in people with T2D and co-existent NAFLD remains unclear. We sought to determine the prevalence of use of these medications at two different time periods, and their association with prevalence of clinically significant liver disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were recruited from diabetes clinics between Jun-2021 and Jun-2022 ('current' cohort). Liver stiffness measurements (LSM) using FibroScan were performed. Medication data were collected prospectively at recruitment and verified with the dispensing pharmacy or general practitioner medical records. Data for a historical cohort with NAFLD and T2D recruited from the same clinics during 2015-2017 ('historical' cohort) were available. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with LSM <8.0 or ≥8 kPa (clinically significant fibrosis).

RESULTS

There were 292 participants, 177 in the historical cohort and 115 in the current cohort. In the current cohort, 57.4% of patients with T2D and NAFLD were taking a GLP-1a and 42.6% were taking a SGLT2i; a 2.6 to 3.4-fold higher prevalence than in 2015-2017. A lower proportion of the current cohort (23.9% compared to 38.4%) had clinically significant fibrosis (LSM ≥8 kPa; p = 0.012). When the cohorts were pooled and differences adjusted for in multivariable logistic regression analysis, patients taking a GLP-1a or a SGLT2i were 2 times more likely to have a lower LSM (<8 kPa) compared to patients not taking these drugs (OR=2.05, 95%CI 1.07-3.94, p = 0.03 and OR 2.07 95%CI 1.04-4.11, p = 0.04, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The observation of a lower LSM in people taking SGLT2i and/or GLP-1a following adjustment for other relevant clinico-demographic variables provides support for clinical trials to assess their efficacy in reducing the progression of NAFLD.

Identification of High-Risk Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Endocrinology Clinics

The twin epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes continue to increase worldwide, so does the associated chronic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although NAFLD has been thought of as a benign liver disease, current evidence suggests that it is a complex liver disease that, for approximately 20% of patients, can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplant, and death. It is important to note that, given NAFLD's association with metabolic syndrome, the number one cause of death among those with NAFLD is related to cardiovascular diseases. In addition, NAFLD is associated with impaired patient-reported outcomes and a significant economic burden. As such, efforts are now aimed at using noninvasive tests (NITs) to identify patients with NAFLD and those who are at risk of liver disease progression and adverse outcomes in endocrinology practices whereby appropriate risk stratification and referrals can be undertaken. In this review, we discuss the most common NITs used and provide a simple clinically relevant algorithm using these NITs to identify patients with NAFLD who are at risk of adverse outcomes and subsequent clinical management and referral.

Global prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease, with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as a major predictor. Insulin resistance and chronic inflammation are key pathways in the pathogenesis of T2DM leading to NAFLD and vice versa, with the synergistic effect of NAFLD and T2DM increasing morbidity and mortality risks. This meta-analysis aims to quantify the prevalence of NAFLD and the prevalence of clinically significant and advanced fibrosis in people with T2DM.

METHODS

MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched from inception until 13 February 2023. The primary outcomes were the prevalence of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis in people with T2DM. A generalised linear mixed model with Clopper-Pearson intervals was used for the analysis of proportions with sensitivity analysis conducted to explore heterogeneity between studies.

RESULTS

156 studies met the inclusion criteria, and a pooled analysis of 1 832 125 patients determined that the prevalence rates of NAFLD and NASH in T2DM were 65.04% (95% CI 61.79% to 68.15%, I2=99.90%) and 31.55% (95% CI 17.12% to 50.70%, I2=97.70%), respectively. 35.54% (95% CI 19.56% to 55.56%, I2=100.00%) of individuals with T2DM with NAFLD had clinically significant fibrosis (F2-F4), while 14.95% (95% CI 11.03% to 19.95%, I2=99.00%) had advanced fibrosis (F3-F4).

CONCLUSION

This study determined a high prevalence of NAFLD, NASH and fibrosis in people with T2DM. Increased efforts are required to prevent T2DM to combat the rising burden of NAFLD.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022360251.

Association between weight change and risk of liver fibrosis in adults with type 2 diabetes

Background

Liver fibrosis plays a key role in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to cirrhosis. Considering weight change is known to be closely associated with increased risk of liver fibrosis, we aimed to address a gap in evidence regarding the existence of this association in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

We included data on 622 T2D patients and 1618 non-T2D participants from the 2017-2018 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We assessed liver fibrosis by the median values of liver stiffness measurement (LSM). According to the participants' body mass index (BMI) at age 25 (early adulthood), 10 years prior (middle adulthood), and at the 2017-2018 cycle (late adulthood), we categorised weight change patterns into stable non-obese, weight loss, weight gain, and stable obese. We applied logistic regression to association analysis and used population attributable fraction (PAF) to analyses hypothetical prevention regimens.

Results

The prevalence of liver fibrosis was higher in T2D patients (23.04%) than in non-T2D participants (6.70%), while weight change was associated with a greater risk of fibrosis in the former compared to the latter group. Compared with T2D patients in the stable non-obese group, stable obese individuals from 10 years prior to the 2017-2018 cycle had the highest risk of developing liver fibrosis, corresponding to an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 3.13 (95% confidence interval = 1.84-5.48). Absolute weight change patterns showed that the risk of liver fibrosis was highest (aOR = 2.94) when T2D patients gained at least 20 kg of weight from 10 years prior to 2017-2018 cycle.

Conclusions

Obesity in middle and late adulthood is associated with an increased risk of T2D complicated with liver fibrosis.

Diabetes mellitus and the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to decompensated cirrhosis: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of decompensated cirrhosis and associated risk factors in people hospitalised with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with or without cirrhosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study; analysis of linked Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection, Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, and Queensland Cancer Register data.

SETTING, PARTICIPANTS

Queensland residents aged 20 years or older admitted to Queensland hospitals with NAFLD/NASH during 1 July 2009 - 31 December 2018.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Progression to decompensated cirrhosis (ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or oesophageal variceal bleeding).

RESULTS

We included data for 8006 patients in our analysis (10 082 admissions), including 4632 women (58%) and 2514 people with diabetes mellitus (31%); median follow-up time was 4.6 years (interquartile range, 2.7-7.2 years). Three hundred and fifty-one people (4.4%) experienced decompensated cirrhosis during the follow-up period. Of the 6900 people without cirrhosis, 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6-5.7%) experienced decompensated cirrhosis within ten years (mean, 0.5% per year; 95% CI, 0.4-0.6% per year); risk of progression was greater for people aged 70 years or older (v 20-39 years: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 4.7; 95% CI, 2.0-11.0) and those who had extrahepatic cancers (aHR, 5.0; 95% CI, 3.0-8.2), history of major cardiovascular events (aHR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.1), or diabetes mellitus (aHR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.0-3.9). Of the 1106 people with cirrhosis, 32.4% (95% CI, 27.2-38.3%) experienced decompensated cirrhosis within ten years (mean, 5.5% per year; 95% CI, 4.8-6.3% per year); risk of progression was greater for those with portal hypertension (aHR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.7), extrahepatic cancer (aHR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-2.9), or diabetes mellitus (aHR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.0). Compared with people who had neither cirrhosis nor diabetes mellitus, the risk of decompensation was greater for people with cirrhosis (aHR, 10.7; 95% CI, 7.6-15.0) or cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus (aHR, 14.4; 95% CI, 10.1-20.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Given the greater risk of progression to cirrhosis decompensation in people with diabetes mellitus, a disorder common in people with NAFLD/NASH, identifying advanced fibrosis and providing appropriate treatment for averting disease progression is vital.

Cardiometabolic risk management: insights from a European Society of Cardiology Cardiovascular Round Table

Metabolic comorbidities are common in patients with cardiorenal disease; they can cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), speed progression, and adversely affect prognosis. Common comorbidities are Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity/overweight, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and chronic liver disease. The cardiovascular system, kidneys, and liver are linked to many of the same risk factors (e.g. dyslipidaemia, hypertension, tobacco use, diabetes, and central/truncal obesity), and shared metabolic and functional abnormalities lead to damage throughout these organs via overlapping pathophysiological pathways. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated the management of cardiometabolic diseases. Obesity, T2DM, CKD, and liver disease are associated with increased risk of poor outcomes of COVID-19 infection, and conversely, COVID-19 can lead to worsening of pre-existing ASCVD. The high rates of these comorbidities highlight the need to improve recognition and treatment of ASCVD in patients with obesity, insulin resistance or T2DM, chronic liver diseases, and CKD and equally, to improve recognition and treatment of these diseases in patients with ASCVD. Strategies to prevent and manage cardiometabolic diseases include lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and surgery. There is a need for more programmes at the societal level to encourage a healthy diet and physical activity. Many pharmacotherapies offer mechanism-based approaches that can target multiple pathophysiological pathways across diseases. These include sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and combined glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide/glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. Non-surgical and surgical weight loss strategies can improve cardiometabolic disorders in individuals living with obesity. New biomarkers under investigation may help in the early identification of individuals at risk and reveal new treatment targets.

Predicting liver-related events in NAFLD: A predictive model

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Management of NAFLD involves noninvasive prediction of fibrosis, which is a surrogate for patient outcomes. We aimed to develop and validate a model predictive of liver-related events (LREs) of decompensation and/or HCC and compare its accuracy with fibrosis models.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Patients with NAFLD from Australia and Spain who were followed for up to 28 years formed derivation (n = 584) and validation (n = 477) cohorts. Competing risk regression and information criteria were used for model development. Accuracy was compared with fibrosis models using time-dependent AUC analysis. During follow-up, LREs occurred in 52 (9%) and 11 (2.3%) patients in derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. Age, type 2 diabetes, albumin, bilirubin, platelet count, and international normalized ratio were independent predictors of LRE and were combined into a model [NAFLD outcomes score (NOS)]. The NOS model calibrated well [calibration slope, 0.99 (derivation), 0.98 (validation)] with excellent overall performance [integrated Brier score, 0.07 (derivation) and 0.01 (validation)]. A cutoff ≥1.3 identified subjects at a higher risk of LRE, (sub-HR 24.6, p < 0.001, 5-year cumulative incidence 38% vs 1.0%, respectively). The predictive accuracy at 5 and 10 years was excellent in both derivation (time-dependent AUC,0.92 and 0.90, respectively) and validation cohorts (time-dependent AUC,0.80 and 0.82, respectively). The NOS was more accurate than the fibrosis-4 or NAFLD fibrosis score for predicting LREs at 5 and 10 years ( p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The NOS model consists of readily available measures and has greater accuracy in predicting outcomes in patients with NAFLD than existing fibrosis models.

Prevalence of Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis in the General Population and Various High-Risk Populations: A Nationwide Study With 5.7 Million Adults in China

BACKGROUND & AIMS

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of liver steatosis and fibrosis in the general population and populations with potential risk factors in China, so as to inform policies for the screening and management of fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis in general and high-risk populations.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, population-based, nationwide study was based on the database of the largest health check-up chain in China. Adults from 30 provinces who underwent a check-up between 2017 and 2022 were included. Steatosis and fibrosis were assessed and graded by transient elastography. Overall and stratified prevalence was estimated among the general population and various subpopulations with demographic, cardiovascular, and chronic liver disease risk factors. A mixed effect regression model was used to examine predictors independently associated with steatosis and fibrosis.

RESULTS

In 5,757,335 participants, the prevalence of steatosis, severe steatosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis was 44.39%, 10.57%, 2.85%, and 0.87%, respectively. Participants who were male, with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, or elevated alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase had a significantly higher prevalence of all grades of steatosis and fibrosis, and those with fatty liver, decreased albumin or platelet count, and hepatitis B virus infection also had a significantly higher prevalence of fibrosis than their healthy counterparts. Most cardiovascular and chronic liver disease risk factors were independent predictors for steatosis and fibrosis, except for dyslipidemia for fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial burden of liver steatosis and fibrosis was found in China. Our study provides evidence for shaping future pathways for screening and risk stratification of liver steatosis and fibrosis in the general population. The findings of this study highlight that fatty liver and liver fibrosis should be included in disease management programs as targets for screening and regular monitoring in high-risk populations, especially in those with diabetes.

The PTP1B Inhibitor Trodusquemine (MSI-1436) Improves Glucose Uptake in Equine Metabolic Syndrome Affected Liver through Anti-Inflammatory and Antifibrotic Activity

Background

Hyperactivation of protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP1B) has been associated with several metabolic malfunctions ranging from insulin resistance, metaflammation, lipotoxicity, and hyperglycaemia. Liver metabolism failure has been proposed as a core element in underlying endocrine disorders through persistent inflammation and highly fibrotic phenotype.

Methods

In this study, the outcomes of PTP1B inhibition using trodusquemine (MSI-1436) on key equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)-related alterations including inflammation, fibrosis, and glucose uptake have been analyzed in liver explants collected from EMS-affected horses using various analytical techniques, namely, flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and Western blot.

Results

PTP1B inhibition using trodusquemine resulted in decreased proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6) release from liver and PBMC affected by EMS and regulated expression of major proinflammatory microRNAs such as miR-802 and miR-211. Moreover, MSI-1436 enhanced the anti-inflammatory profile of livers by elevating the expression of IL-10 and IL-4 and activating CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in treated PBMC. Similarly, the inhibitor attenuated fibrogenic pathways in the liver by downregulating TGF-β/NOX1/4 axis and associated MMP-2/9 overactivation. Interestingly, PTP1B inhibition ameliorated the expression of TIMP-1 and Smad7, both important antifibrotic mediators. Furthermore, application of MSI-1436 was found to augment the abundance of glycosylated Glut-2, which subsequently expanded the glucose absorption in the EMS liver, probably due to an enhanced Glut-2 stability and half-life onto the plasma cell membranes.

Conclusion

Taken together, the presented data suggest that the PTP1B inhibition strategy and the use of its specific inhibitor MSI-1436 represents a promising option for the improvement of liver tissue integrity and homeostasis in the course of EMS and adds more insights for ongoing clinical trials for human MetS management.

Advances in the management of type 2 diabetes in adults

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic and progressive cardiometabolic disorder that affects more than 10% of adults worldwide and is a major cause of morbidity, mortality, disability, and high costs. Over the past decade, the pattern of management of diabetes has shifted from a predominantly glucose centric approach, focused on lowering levels of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), to a directed complications centric approach, aimed at preventing short term and long term complications of diabetes, and a pathogenesis centric approach, which looks at the underlying metabolic dysfunction of excess adiposity that both causes and complicates the management of diabetes. In this review, we discuss the latest advances in patient centred care for type 2 diabetes, focusing on drug and non-drug approaches to reducing the risks of complications of diabetes in adults. We also discuss the effects of social determinants of health on the management of diabetes, particularly as they affect the treatment of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes.