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MASLD as Complication of Diabetes
Norbert Stefan1,2,3
1Internal Medicine IV, Department of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, University Hospital of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Abstract:
Worldwide metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease. Despite high global prevalence, MASLD is not yet recognized as a noncommunicable disease, although all of the criteria are fulfilled for such a classification. MASLD is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and certain extrahepatic cancers. At 65% and 37% the prevalence of MASLD is extremely high in adults and children with type 2 diabetes, respectively. The pathogenesis of MASLD is closely related to that of type 2 diabetes, and diabetes-associated hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperlipidemia promote progression from simple steatosis to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Thus, MASLD is now considered a complication of diabetes. However, there is still a great deal of work to be done to implement screening for and treatment of MASLD in everyday clinical diabetes management. In this article, the major mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of MASLD and type 2 diabetes are discussed. Furthermore, the heterogeneity in the pathophysiology of MASLD and clusters in MASLD that may be relevant for future stratification of MASLD-associated risk of diseases are addressed. Finally, because of their strong hepato-, cardio-, and nephroprotective effects this article provides support as to why sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (co)agonists should be used as first-line pharmacotherapies in people with MASLD and type 2 diabetes.
Insights
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major liver disease linked to type 2 diabetes. Early screening and treatment, including specific medications, are crucial for managing MASLD in diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease globally.
- MASLD is highly prevalent in individuals with type 2 diabetes (65% in adults, 37% in children).
- MASLD shares pathogenic mechanisms with type 2 diabetes, including hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperlipidemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the pathogenesis of MASLD and its relationship with type 2 diabetes.
- To explore MASLD pathophysiology heterogeneity and risk stratification.
- To advocate for specific pharmacotherapies in MASLD patients with type 2 diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Review of major pathogenetic mechanisms linking MASLD and type 2 diabetes.
- Discussion of MASLD pathophysiology and potential patient stratification clusters.
- Analysis of hepato-, cardio-, and nephroprotective effects of specific drug classes.
Main Results:
- MASLD pathogenesis is intricately linked to type 2 diabetes.
- MASLD is increasingly viewed as a complication of diabetes.
- Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists show promise.
Conclusions:
- MASLD requires integration into clinical diabetes management.
- Further research into MASLD pathophysiology and risk stratification is needed.
- SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 RAs are recommended as first-line treatments for MASLD and type 2 diabetes.
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