Liver plays a very important role in metabolism of Fatty acids in our body. It degrades the unutilized circulating lipids essential for the maintenance proper functioning of the body, at the same time it is capable of synthesizing various Lipoproteins and Triglycerides from substrate presented to it. The amount of circulating fatty acids as well as synthesis of lipids is controlled by Insulin, hence it is not surprising that Fatty Liver is a common problem in Diabetics. Diabetics tend to have more fat deposited in the Hepatocytes (Liver Cells) This is called Fatty Liver or Fatty infiltration of Liver. It may be due to excessive levels of Lipids in circulation or due to improper handling by the Liver,  this results in inflammation in the cells of liver which damages the liver itself, it may not cause any overt symptoms, but if left uncontrolled may even lead to cirrhosis of liver.

Symptoms: There may not be any overt symptoms of Fatty Liver, even though if Liver is enlarged it may cause heaviness in abdomen , at an advanced stage may cause jaundice , nausea or vommitting.

Diagnosis: At early stages Fatty Liver can only be detected by Sonography ( Abdominal Ultrasound); at advanced stages there may be derangement of Liver Enzymes SGPT (ALT) & SGOT(AST)

Treatment: At initial stages Diet, Exercise may be sufficient to control and reverse Fatty infiltration of Liver

Bookmark with: