Diabetes Type 1 Essay

1. Liver disease can occur due to diabetes & so can diabetes occur due to liver disease. The liver disease occurring due to diabetes, primarily type 2 diabetes is called Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Type 2 diabetes is metabolic condition causing elevated blood glucose levels due to either the lack of production of insulin or the body’s inability to utilize insulin efficiently (PubMed, n.d). NAFLD or commonly called fatty liver, occurs due to impairment of the liver cells to effectively metabolize glucose thereby leading to an accumulation of fat in the liver (Blenda, Thompson & Malkani, 2010). The liver plays a pivotal role in glucose regulation. Glucose is carried from the intestines to the liver, via the hepatic portal vein, which converts & stores it as glycogen or uses it for its
Cusi, an endocrinologist based in the University of Florida states that “80% of people with diabetes have fat in the liver” (2012). He also says that research shows that NAFLD may actually contribute to type 2 diabetes & even pre diabetes. Since the liver plays a major role in the control of the blood sugar level, deposition of makes it that much harder for the liver to regulate the blood glucose. Cusi (2012) states that having a fatty liver speeds up the arrival of type 2 diabetes. Another study conducted by Baranova, Vernon & Younossi (2011) showed a 69% prevalence of ultrasonic fatty liver amongst patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition to being highly prevalent, it was also more progressive among the same patients. 127 patients out of 204 diabetic patients displayed a fatty liver on ultrasound. 87% were also diagnosed with fatty liver via a biopsy. Yet another study conducted by Burgianesi, McCullough & Marchesini (2005) found that upto 50% of the patients with type 2 diabetes have a fatty liver, with even a family history of type 2 diabetes increases the chance of developing