How Type 2 Diabetes Affects Your Liver

Managing diabetes is tough, and to add to the challenge, it also puts you at risk for liver disease. Here’s what you can do to lower your risk.

Facing diabetes can feel overwhelming at first. From navigating food choices and exercise routines to staying on top of medications, there’s a lot on your plate. And if that isn’t enough, you may also be juggling other diagnoses.

With seemingly endless doctor’s appointments and pharmacy visits, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed — it’s a lot to handle. Taking steps to prioritize your health helps manage this disease and sheds light on other possible health risks you may face, like liver disease.

As a nurse, I’ve cared for many patients with both of these diagnoses. It’s surprising how diabetes can lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). And the other way around is true, too — NAFLD can raise your chances of developing diabetes.

If you have a higher risk, there are steps you can take to decrease your odds. These little tweaks can really make a difference in living a healthier life and managing obstacles smoothly.

Let’s dive into the connection between type 2 diabetes and liver disease and explore how to lower your risk.

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Types of liver disease

There are many types of liver disease. You may be born with them or develop them later in life. Viruses, drugs, alcohol, obesity, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes can all affect the liver.

Here are the conditions most commonly linked to type 2 diabetes:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

NAFLD is one of the most common types of liver disease in the United States. It occurs when there’s excess fat in the liver.

As the name implies, the condition isn’t caused by alcohol. It’s often tied to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) estimates that 24% of U.S. adults have NAFLD, and 70% of people with type 2 diabetes have it.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

NASH is a more severe form of the disease. It’s when there’s excess fat and swelling around the liver. This inflammation may lead to scarring and even liver cancer.

Liver cirrhosis

When the liver is damaged, it becomes scarred, a condition called cirrhosis. As scar tissue replaces healthy liver cells, the liver doesn’t work as well.

The damage is permanent and may lead to liver failure. Causes of scarring include:

• alcohol overuse
• drugs
• toxins
• fat buildup
• cancer

How are diabetes and liver disease related?

Sugar is released into the bloodstream when the body needs energy to function, commonly between meals and nighttime. Which organ is responsible for storing and releasing the sugar? You guessed it: the liver.

When the liver gets damaged from excess fat buildup, it struggles to do its job well. This can lead to high blood sugar levels for a long time and, sometimes, diabetes.

Diabetes can also affect liver health. If circulating blood sugar levels are elevated for too long, the liver can become damaged.

Research from 2020 suggests obesity is a leading factor in developing both NAFLD and diabetes. Abdominal obesity leads to excess fat around the liver, and this causes blood sugar levels to be too high for too long.

It’s estimated that 75% of U.S. people who are overweight have NAFLD.

5 tips to keep your liver healthy

Here’s a look at lifestyle changes you can make to improve your health. These tips are good not only for your liver but also for your overall well-being. Find the strategies that best suit you.

1. Manage your weight

Managing your weight is great for regulating blood sugar, improving your liver health, and keeping your body healthy.

Eating well-balanced meals and exercising regularly will play a big part in your efforts to achieve a healthy weight for your body.

2. Eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet

Well-balanced meals affect how your body metabolizes sugar for energy. Avoid blood sugar spikes by eating whole grains, lean proteins, and high fiber foods like complex carbohydrates.

It’s also best to limit foods high in sugar and saturated fat, such as desserts like candy, cake, and ice cream.

Eating sporadically throughout the day will spike blood sugar levels, so try to eat at specific times. Stop eating before you become full to avoid overeating.

3. Engage in physical activity

Physical activity is good for your mind and body. It improves the way your body uses sugar for energy and helps prevent spikes.

Aim for 150 minutes of exercise per week, doing an activity you enjoy to increase consistency.

4. Manage your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar

If you’ve also been diagnosed with high cholesterol or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s instructions to manage these conditions.

Take medications as prescribed and see your doctors regularly to avoid any complications.

5. Limit alcohol use and smoking

If you drink alcohol, consider quitting or at least limiting the amount you drink to avoid further liver damage.

Smoking increases your risk of developing liver cancer and also increases insulin resistance. Alcohol and smoking can result in additional complications, such as heart disease.

Takeaway

Managing diabetes and liver disease often goes hand in hand. Diabetes is emerging as a contributor to liver disease due to elevated blood sugar levels that directly impact liver health.

Successfully managing both conditions can promote a healthier lifestyle and decrease any risks of additional complications.