Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its correlation with coronary risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is commonly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Presence of NAFLD along with diabetes may also be linked to increased coronary artery disease (CAD) risk1 . We conducted this study to estimate the prevalence of NAFLD in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and to assess association of NAFLD with CAD and its risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Methodology A Hospital based prospective cross-sectional study was done in 100 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients fulfilling the eligibility criteria, in the Department of Medicine, Sir Takhtsinhji General Hospital, Bhavnagar. NAFLD was diagnosed on the basis of ultrasound assessment of the liver. History, physical examination and results of relevant laboratory investigations were recorded. Patients were grouped in two groups –NAFLD and Non-NAFLD and various parameters were compared. A p value of < 0.5 was considered significant. Results The prevalence of NAFLD was 59% in type 2 diabetic patients. CAD was more prevalent in the NAFLD subgroup (49.15%) compared to non-NAFLD subgroups (26.82%). The NAFLD subgroup had significantly higher prevalence of coronary risk factors like family history of diabetes, low HDL, high triglyceride, microalbuminuria and metabolic syndrome. The proportion of patients using insulin, antihypertensive drugs, antiplatelet drugs and lipid lowering agents was higher among patients with NAFLD. Conclusion NAFLD is commonly associated with type 2 diabetics. Ultrasonographically detected NAFLD alerts us for metabolic syndrome and increased risk of coronary artery disease. Thus understanding its pathogenesis, biochemical parameters and its management, are vital issues today in clinical practice to identify type 2 diabetics who are at highest risk.