The IAA One Minute Blog

Liver disease is usually associated with alcoholism or hepatitis, but obesity and diabetes are becoming an even more dire threat for potentially fatal liver damage, a new study reveals.

Fatty Liver Disease Connected to Metabolic Syndrome

In humans, fatty liver disease is tied to a metabolic syndrome. A metabolic syndrome is a cluster of health problems that have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. They include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

The condition occurs when excess fat begins to be stored in the liver, causing inflammation and eventually scarring.

For the study, the team tracked nearly 1,800 people suffering from fatty liver disease for four years to see how the condition affected their health. The researchers found that as fat-related scarring progressed in the liver, people were more likely to suffer from liver-related complications like internal bleeding, excess fluid and mental confusion caused by an accumulation of toxins in the body and brain.

As fatty liver disease progresses, patients become more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes and impaired kidney function, the study authors said.

People who suffered those sort of liver-related complications were about seven times more likely to die, the researchers found.

About one in four people suffer from fatty liver disease, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

What is Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an umbrella term for a range of liver conditions affecting people who drink little to no alcohol. In the United States, it is the most common form of chronic liver disease, affecting about one quarter of the population.

NAFLD causes no signs and symptoms. When it does, they may include fatigue and/or pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen.

Liver disease is a silent killer. By the time you develop symptoms related to fatty liver damage, there are serious medical issues.

What IAA has to Say

Insurance Administrator of America wants to keep you up-to-date on the world of health. Stay tuned to this blog to learn more. Remember, with IAA one call does it all.

Like this blog post? Let IAA know by going to our Facebook page and clicking the Like button.