NAFLD and type 2 diabetes: A practical guide for the joint management

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing cause of liver disease morbidity and mortality.
• NAFLD acts as a mediator for systemic diseases, notably cardiovascular disease.
• Increasing prevalence of NAFLD is linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review key aspects of NAFLD and T2D for clinicians.
• To discuss shared pathophysiological mechanisms between NAFLD and T2D.
• To outline current therapeutic strategies for T2D in patients with NAFLD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of NAFLD and T2D pathophysiology.
• Analysis of epidemiological data on NAFLD and T2D prevalence.
• Summary of current treatment guidelines and options.

Main Results:

• NAFLD and T2D share common underlying mechanisms.
• NAFLD can precipitate or exacerbate T2D, and vice versa.
• Effective management necessitates interdisciplinary collaboration.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing NAFLD and T2D management requires integrated care approaches.
• Understanding the interplay between NAFLD and T2D is crucial for clinicians.
• Current therapeutic options focus on managing T2D in the context of NAFLD.