PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disorder worldwide and is strongly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients with T2DM are at particularly high risk of NAFLD and its progression to advanced liver disease, yet the condition often remains underdiagnosed.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of NAFLD and to identify its clinical and metabolic predictors in patients with T2DM.

Study Design & Setting: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Medicine Shalamar Hospital Lahore from Jan 2025 to June 2025.

Methodology: A total of 120 patients with T2DM were enrolled through consecutive non-probability sampling. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and laboratory investigations including HbA1c, lipid profile, and liver function tests were recorded. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed in all patients to detect and grade NAFLD. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, independent t-test, and logistic regression analysis were applied.

Results: The mean age of participants was 49.7 ± 10.4 years, with 55% males and 45% females. The mean duration of diabetes was 10.3 ± 5.7 years and mean BMI was 28.6 ± 4.1 kg/m². NAFLD was detected in 74 patients, giving a prevalence of 61.7%. Among them, 54.1% had mild, 35.1% had moderate, and 10.8% had severe disease. Logistic regression analysis showed no independent predictors of NAFLD among the studied variables.

Conclusion: NAFLD was highly prevalent in patients with T2DM, predominantly of mild to moderate severity. Routine screening in this high-risk group is warranted for early intervention and prevention of complications.