Correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic parameters in persons with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: There are limited studies investigating the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the region of Bihar, India.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of NAFLD in persons with newly diagnosed T2DM in the population of North Bihar, India.

Methods: This single centre cross-sectional study was undertaken in the Research Centre for Diabetes Hypertension and Obesity, Samastipur, Bihar, India. Data were collected from persons newly diagnosed with T2DM or those diagnosed within 6 months of when the study was conducted between December 2022 to May 2023.

Results: A total of 148 people with newly diagnosed T2DM were included (median age 47 years, 46.6% female) and 109 patients with liver disease on ultrasound evaluation. The persons with liver disease consumed more fats and oils (88.1% vs 74.4%, P = 0.042) and they had significantly greater body mass index (27.4 vs 23.0, P < 0.001), waist circumference (37 vs 33, P < 0.001), and waist-to-hip ratio (1.00 vs 0.70, P = 0.025). Females were associated with greater liver disease [odds ratio (OR): 3.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-8.80, P = 0.32]. Waist circumference (OR: 1.42, 95%CI: 1.22-1.66, P < 0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR: 1.01, 95%CI: 1.01-1.02, P = 0.048) were associated with any liver disease. The factors most associated with grade 2/3 liver disease was right upper quadrant pain or heaviness (OR: 5.22, 95%CI: 1.40-19.41, P = 0.14), greater income (OR: 3.58, 95%CI: 1.28-10.04, P = 0.015) and waist circumference (OR: 1.31, 95%CI: 1.02-1.69, P = 0.036).

Conclusion: NAFLD is common in new/recently diagnosed T2DM and disease burden is high and common among patients who are either high consumers of fats and oils or have obesity-associated markers.