Aim. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are in a bidirectional relationship. This prospective study focused on associations between parameters common to the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, inflammation and hepatic steatosis in T2DM patients with metabolic imbalance.
Methods. We used clinical data, insulin resistance and inflammation indices, and hepatic steatosis markers from 120 patients.
Results. The patients (44% men, mean age 58) had a mean body mass index (BMI) of 32 kg/m2 and mean T2DM history of 6 years. With exceptions, significant correlations were found between metabolic, inflammatory and hepatic parameters.
Conclusions. In T2DM patients with poor glycemic control, hepatic steatosis correlates significantly with insulin resistance and inflammation. Increased prevalence and poor prognosis of these diseases together justify the need for NAFLD screening of diabetic patients.
