Fatty liver disease refers to an increased build-up of fat inside the liver.
Surge In Obesity And Type-2 Diabetes Could Trigger Fatty Liver Cases In Britain. (Image: iStock)
The United Kingdom can soon witness a spike in fatty liver disease cases. Experts from the British Liver Trust have warned that these cases will be fuelled by an obesity epidemic. This cancer-causing disease is mostly seen in individuals who are obese, and or have type 2 diabetes.
According to media reports, experts from the trust fear that “increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity” will bring with it a “fatty liver tsunami.” According to media reports, Vanessa Hebditch, a member from the charity said, “There is a need for greater awareness of the link between diabetes and liver disease.”
She added, “It is will known that type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of many health issues including cardiovascular and kidney disease but it can also significantly raise your risk of fatty liver disease.”
What is fatty liver disease?
As the name suggests, fatty liver disease refers to an increased build-up of fat inside the liver. The symptoms of fatty liver disease are:
- Fatigue
- Not feeling well, or malaise
- Pain or discomfort in the upper right belly area
Having high levels of fat in your liver is also associated with a risk of serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.
BLT revealed that two-thirds of people living with type 2 diabetes have a fatty liver. “This means that the UK could be facing a tsunami of people newly diagnosed with fatty liver disease.”
Who is at the risk of fatty liver disease?
The exact causes of this disease is unknown so far. However, as per researchers, it is more common in people who:
- Have type 2 diabetes and prediabetes
- Have obesity
- Are middle aged or older
- Are Hispanic, followed by non-Hispanic whites
- Have high levels of fats in the blood, such as cholesterol and triglycerides
- Have high blood pressure
- Take certain drugs, such as corticosteroids and some cancer drugs
- Have certain metabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome
- Have rapid weight loss
- Have certain infections, such as hepatitis C
- Have been exposed to some toxins
How is fatty liver disease diagnosed?
As for most part, there are no symptoms, it can be hard to diagnose this condition. Your doctor usually suspects that you have it if you get abnormal liver tests results. FOr a diagnosis, your doctor will need:
- Your medical history
- A physical exam
- Various tests, including blood imaging and sometimes a biopsy
During the physical exam, your doctor aims at examining your body. A few signs of a fatty liver could be:
- An enlarged liver
- Signs of cirrhosis: Jaundice
Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
