World Liver Day 2023: Diabetes is considered a leading risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and several other liver diseases. Therefore, it becomes even more vital for diabetic people to take care of their liver health.
World Liver Day 2023: The liver is one of the complex organs in the body that is also responsible for digestion, immunity, and metabolism. Not many people are very aware of the disorders associated with the liver as opposed to other bodily systems. Every year on April 19, World Liver Day is celebrated to raise awareness about disorders and diseases related to the liver and how we can manage it. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in India, liver diseases represent the tenth most common cause of death. We’ve heard about fatty and non-fatty liver problems, but did you know that diabetes also affects liver function? Diabetes is a major risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and several other liver diseases.
How can living with diabetes for a long time affect the liver?
Living with diabetes for a long time affects the liver and various organs and systems in the body. Dr. Vikrant Kale, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Interventional Endoscopist at Ruby Hall Clinic, shared exclusively with india.com that the role of the liver is to filter toxins from the blood, producing bile which aids in digestion and maintaining blood sugar levels. in the blood.
Diabetes can damage the liver by increasing the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver. Diabetes, if not properly controlled, can also lead to other liver conditions, such as cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease that causes the liver to become scarred and can eventually lose its ability to function properly. Cirrhosis causes many complications, including fluid buildup in the abdomen, bleeding from enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach, and also increases the risk of liver cancer.
Diabetes not only directly affects the liver, but other factors associated with diabetes can also contribute to liver damage, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels, which are common in people with diabetes and can increase the risk of developing liver disease.
How to take care of your liver when you suffer from diabetes?
If you are living with diabetes, it is very important to control your blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are the simple tips
- Control your blood sugar levels: High blood sugar levels can increase your risk of liver damage, so it’s important to check your blood sugar levels regularly and, with the help of your doctor, develop a blood sugar management plan. diabetes.
- Keep a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing fatty liver disease, so it is important to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
- Eat a healthy diet: A diet high in saturated and trans fats can increase the risk of fatty liver disease. One should focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats.
- Restriction of alcohol intake: Alcohol can increase the risk of liver disease, and people with diabetes are at increased risk of alcohol-related liver disease. It is recommended to limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels or avoid it altogether.
- Periodic health reviews: Regular liver function tests help monitor liver health and detect any problems early. It is important to visit your doctor regularly, which helps to detect possible complications that cause liver disease.
Liver disease does not always cause noticeable symptoms, but it can cause serious damage to the liver. That’s why it’s so important to get regular checkups, see your doctor, and follow your doctor’s recommendations for liver screening tests.
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