The epidemiology and characteristics of patients with diabetes with or without NASH: a systematic review

NASH or "Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis" is related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The simultaneous occurrence of NASH and type 2 diabetes is common. However, only a limited number of studies have focused on the characteristics of patients with diabetes with or without NASH.

This systematic review summarises epidemiological evidence related to the prevalence and characteristics of NASH in patients with diabetes.

Different electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for the published articles. Original studies conducted in patients with diabetes published in English were included in this review.

Thirteen studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. In patients with diabetes, increased BMI, overweight/obesity, increased HbA1c, increased serum cholesterol, and elevated liver enzyme levels have been strongly linked with NASH. Other significant characteristics include increasing age, being female, race(white), low HDL, metformin use, increased ferritin, and increased albumin levels. The prevalence of NASH ranged from 12% to 93.8%, the highest percentage was found in studies in Romania (87.1), and lowest in studies in India (12.5).

The incidence of NASH increases with age. Gender differences as a risk factor for NASH still need to be fully understood. This systematic review provides insight and strong indication to all patients with diabetes to visit hepatologists and screen for fatty liver disease. If steatosis is found on baseline ultrasound, a liver biopsy should be performed for timely management. At present, no NAFLD/NASH-specific medication on the market helps in treating the disease. New development of the drugs and ongoing research is important for the cure and treatment of NASH, with specific attention being provided to involve populations at high-risk.