NAFLD* WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS
Diabetic Living Australia|May-June 2022
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, is becoming increasingly common, estimated to affect nearly one-third of adults in Western countries like Australia. If you have type 2 diabetes, you are more likely to be affected. DL magazine dietitian and diabetes educator, Dr Kate Marsh, explains what it is, why it matters and what you can do to keep your liver healthy.
Dr Kate Marsh
NAFLD* WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS

*Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Fatty liver - what is it?

Fatty liver is just what its name suggests – the build-up of fat in the liver cells. Excess alcohol intake is a major cause of fatty liver. However the condition is becoming increasingly common in those who don't drink to excess and is referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD. This type of fatty liver appears to be related to insulin resistance, the underlying problem in type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance changes the way in which the liver, muscles and fat cells process sugar and fat. As a result, the liver cells take up more fat, in the form of triglycerides (also known as blood fats) and these fats are stored inside the liver cells, causing a fatty liver.

How do I know if I have a fatty liver?

One problem with fatty liver disease is that it doesn't usually have any symptoms in the early stages, so most people aren't aware they have it. It is usually diagnosed when blood tests show abnormal liver function tests, or on an ultrasound. The only way to get a definite diagnosis is by having a liver biopsy, but this isn't always necessary as other tests can give your doctor enough information to suggest that something needs to be done. If symptoms do occur, the most common are fatigue, abdominal pain (particularly in the upper right part of the abdomen) and an enlarged liver on examination.

The strong link between NAFLD and diabetes, overweight and metabolic syndrome has led some experts to recommend a change in name from NAFLD to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, or MAFLD.

Why does fatty liver matter?

Denne historien er fra May-June 2022-utgaven av Diabetic Living Australia.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra May-June 2022-utgaven av Diabetic Living Australia.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA DIABETIC LIVING AUSTRALIASe alt
A whole new world
Diabetic Living Australia

A whole new world

Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult can be a challenging and confusing time. In this extract from the JDRF's new book, Straight to the Point, they explain what's going on and what to say to people who make uninformed comments about your condition

time-read
8 mins  |
March - April 2023
5 Days 5 Dinners
Diabetic Living Australia

5 Days 5 Dinners

Weeknights are sorted with these fresh, flavoursome mains, packed with veg!

time-read
7 mins  |
March - April 2023
Fantastic Feta
Diabetic Living Australia

Fantastic Feta

This soft, white cheese with Greek origins is versatile and packs a flavour punch, with only a small amount needed to jazz up a dish

time-read
5 mins  |
March - April 2023
My story: "I'm proud of the fact that I've gotten hold of my health"
Diabetic Living Australia

My story: "I'm proud of the fact that I've gotten hold of my health"

When Natalie Rixon, now 33, discovered she had prediabetes soon after she'd turned 20, it was a shock and a relief all rolled into one. What she did next changed her future.

time-read
3 mins  |
May -June 2023
INTERPRETING YOUR cgm DATA
Diabetic Living Australia

INTERPRETING YOUR cgm DATA

A continuous glucose monitor is a wonderful source of information but do you really know what you're looking at?

time-read
4 mins  |
May -June 2023
7 NEED-TO-KNOW FACTS ABOUT...diabetes & kidney disease
Diabetic Living Australia

7 NEED-TO-KNOW FACTS ABOUT...diabetes & kidney disease

Diabetes is the most common cause of Chronic Kidney Disease. Learn more about this condition and how to protect yourself from developing it.

time-read
2 mins  |
May -June 2023
GET OFF THE diet ROLLERCOASTER
Diabetic Living Australia

GET OFF THE diet ROLLERCOASTER

Dietitian Lyndi Cohen wants you to take a deep breath and think about your weight, and health, in a whole new way.

time-read
2 mins  |
May -June 2023
WHAT IS Wegovy?
Diabetic Living Australia

WHAT IS Wegovy?

Meet Wegovy, the new once-weekly weightloss injection that research shows helps people lose significantly more body weight than those using diet and exercise alone.

time-read
2 mins  |
May -June 2023
MEDICATION & CONSUMABLES
Diabetic Living Australia

MEDICATION & CONSUMABLES

Insulin is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

time-read
3 mins  |
May -June 2023
DOLLARS AND DIABETES
Diabetic Living Australia

DOLLARS AND DIABETES

When you have type 1 diabetes, it's important to see a variety of health professionals regularly to keep your health on track.

time-read
1 min  |
May -June 2023