Diabetes: Increased risk for liver disease

Posted on February 18, 2016 with 0 comments

Diabetes is a global emergency. As per International Diabetes Federation estimates that the world over approximately 5 million people died from diabetes in 2015; this number is significantly higher compared to the number of adults who died from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis & malaria. In India alone, about one million deaths were attributable to diabetes during 2015.

The decrease in platelet count, an increase in blood sugar levels, swelling on feet are the alarming signs when one should seek immediate advice from a specialist. Research has proven that people living with diabetes are often prone to the risk of liver diseases. Read below to know a little more on this topic.

Lowering of platelet count in the blood is one of the early signs of liver cirrhosis. Dr. Amish Shah, Diabetes Specialist from Advanced Diabetes Centre narrated a recent case of a patient – a 55-year-old schoolteacher who suffered from fever. The patient underwent a blood test on recommendation of his General Practitioner, which showed low platelet counts. The GP diagnosed it to be dengue. But in spite of recovering from fever, the platelet counts did not increase even after several days. The patient did not have any other complaint. However, further investigations revealed that the blood sugar levels were elevated. The patient had swelling on his feet. Multiple investigations did not lead to any conclusive diagnosis. Ultimately, through radiological investigations, Dr. Amish noticed that the liver function was affected and the capacity of the liver had actually gone down. Dr. Amish therefore recommends that patients living with diabetes have to take extra precaution.

Recent research data has proven that compared to other patients, people with diabetes are at 77% higher risk of developing the liver disease.

India is home to more than 6 crore people who are living with diabetes. They are also at risk of developing heart, kidneys, nerves, eyes and liver-related complications due to diabetes. Patients with diabetes should get themselves diagnosed with fatty liver. People who consume a lot of alcohol are at an increased risk of developing fatty liver. However, in patients with type 2 diabetes who do not consume alcohol but have uncontrolled cholesterol levels are also at an increased risk of developing fatty liver.

Advanced Diabetes Centre has eminent diabetes specialists who are specially trained at Joslin Diabetes Centre, Boston, USA. Along with clinicians from other specialties, expert dietitians, physiotherapists, diabetes educators, Advanced Diabetes Centre offers a Complete Organized Diabetes Care under One Roof.

Call 0261-2600100 or just give a missed call on 7227000100 to schedule your appointment.