Association between liver steatosis, fibrosis, and the onset of type 2 diabetes in overweight individuals: A fibroscan-based study in Southern Italy

Objective

This study aims to explore the association between liver steatosis and fibrosis, as assessed by Fibroscan, and the onset of type 2 diabetes in overweight, medication-free men and women.

Methods

We analyzed data from 164 participants with overweight or obesity (41.4 % male), including 39 individuals (23.8 %) with type 2 diabetes. All participants underwent Fibroscan to evaluate liver steatosis (CAP > 275 dBm) and fibrosis (liver stiffness > 8.2 kPa). Diabetes was diagnosed using fasting glucose, 2-hour glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and HbA1c levels.

Results

Liver steatosis was significantly more prevalent in individuals with diabetes (89.7 % vs 52 %, P < 0.001). Liver fibrosis was observed in 35.9 % of subjects with diabetes (vs 13.6 %, P = 0.002). Mean CAP (P < 0.001) and kPA (P = 0.006) values were significantly higher in the group with diabetes. Significant associations between CAP (MD: 30.87, P = 0.009) and liver stiffness (MD: 2.454, P = 0.006) with diabetes were found, independent of other variables. Additionally, liver steatosis was independently associated with elevated HOMA-IR levels (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Elevated liver steatosis and fibrosis are both linked to type 2 diabetes, independent of traditional risk factors. These findings support screening for diabetes in individuals with significant steatosis and fibrosis and vice versa.