Abnormal Glucose Metabolism in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), a common cause of chronic liver disease, represents a spectrum of histopathologic abnormalities. NAFLD is often associated to the typical components of the metabolic syndrome (MS), with characteristics including abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes, Insulin Resistance (IR), hypertension, and Hypertriglyceridemia, and has seriously threatened human health. IR, a crucial element of MS, is the fundamental contributor in the process of NAFLD. Therapy strategies are finite and, for now, are basically concentrated on weight reduction and utilization of insulin sensitizing agents. Recent literature indicated IR related to the abnormal glucose metabolism play a pivotal role in the development of NAFLD. Moreover, glucose resistance, glucocorticoid hormones, leptin, et al are also associated with glucose metabolism dysfunction in NAFLD. We highlight the mechanisms of these components in NAFLD, and our work might be beneficial for comprehending the mechanism and treatment of abnormal glucose metabolism in patients with NAFLD.