Every third Indian has fatty liver, which predates Type 2
Diabetes and other metabolic disorders, said Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh at the launch event of Indo-French Liver and Metabolic Disease Network (InFLiMeN) a virtual node to prevent and cure metabolic liver diseases at Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences today in New Delhi.
Addressing the launch programme Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that the Indo-French Node, InFLiMeN, aims to address key issues related to a common metabolic liver disorder, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can progress to cirrhosis and primary liver cancer eventually. It predates diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and many other diseases.
“As an endocrinologist myself, I understand the nuances of fatty liver and its relation with diabetes and other metabolic disorders,” Dr Singh said. He shared that nearly 1 in 3 Indians has fatty liver. While in the West, most NAFLD is associated with obesity, intriguingly in the Indian subcontinent, NAFLD occurs in about 20% of non-obese patients.
Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in liver cells. This excess fat can interfere with liver function and lead to inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), and potentially severe liver damage if left untreated.
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form and is not related to alcohol consumption. It often occurs in people who are overweight or obese, have high cholesterol or diabetes, or lead sedentary lifestyles. NAFLD can progress from simple fatty liver (steatosis) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which involves liver inflammation and may lead to fibrosis or cirrhosis over time.
Alcoholic fatty liver disease results from excessive alcohol consumption over time. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver, and excessive intake can lead to fat accumulation, inflammation, and liver damage.
Symptoms of fatty liver diseaseFatty liver disease often progresses silently with few noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As fat accumulates in liver cells, symptoms may include persistent fatigue, discomfort or dull pain in the upper right abdomen, and a feeling of fullness due to liver enlargement. Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, can occur if liver function is significantly impaired. Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) may cause abdominal swelling, and increased susceptibility to bruising due to decreased production of clotting factors is common. In advanced stages, hepatic encephalopathy may manifest as confusion, difficulty concentrating, or changes in behavior. It's crucial to seek medical attention if experiencing these symptoms, as they can indicate not only fatty liver disease but also other liver conditions or complications requiring prompt evaluation and management.
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