Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in prediabetes – Predisposing and protective factors

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide with a prevalence ranging from 5% to 28% in India. It is a common cause of chronic liver disease and can lead to complications including cirrhosis and portal hypertension. NAFLD and insulin-resistant states such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes are interlinked. We studied the role of diet, dyslipidemia, and glycemia in the genesis of NAFLD in patients with prediabetes. Methods: This case–control study was done in 86 prediabetic subjects availing the services of a medical college hospital. Cases of NAFLD were diagnosed and categorized by severity by ultrasonogram. Symptoms, demographic profile, dietary history by 24 h recall method, anthropometry, liver function tests, lipid profile, and blood glucose were recorded. Results: Cases of NAFLD were found to have higher fat consumption and lower carbohydrate and protein in their diet. Fatigue and right hypochondriac pain were common symptoms among the cases, and their mean body mass index (27.2 kg/m 2 ) was higher. When compared with prediabetic controls, cases of NAFLD had higher mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures, as well as impaired lipid profile and postprandial hyperglycemia. Conclusion: Obesity, dyslipidemia, and specific dietary patterns predispose patients with prediabetes to develop NAFLD. Additionally, postprandial hyperglycemia is associated with NAFLD. Thus, targeting postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with prediabetes may retard the development of NAFLD.