Gastroenterologist explained why patients with diabetes need to protect the liver

Gastroenterologist, chief freelance gastroenterologist of the Health Committee of the Minsk City Executive Committee Olga Panes on the air of the project “School of Diabetes” on the YouTube channel “SEE AND LIVE” told about why patients with diabetes need to monitor liver health.

Olga Panes explained why patients with diabetes need to monitor liver health:

- Diabetes and liver health are closely related: these diseases can exacerbate each other, increasing the risk of developing serious complications. With hepatitis (especially if liver function is uncorrectable), sugar levels are also difficult to regulate. With a prolonged increase in the level of glucose in the blood, there is a violation of the function of liver cells (hepatocytes), a decrease in glycogen stores and the accumulation of lipids, which leads to fatty hepatosis (steatose).

- In addition, the doctor noted, damaged liver can excessively synthesize glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (gluconeogenesis) and release it into the bloodstream, which leads to hyperglycemia. According to studies, up to 70 percent of people with type 2 diabetes have signs of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this case, NAFLD 2 times increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and diabetes - the risk of progression of NAFLD. - Liver diseases can provoke the development of diabetes, - explained the specialist. Inflammatory processes in this hematopoietic organ (for example, with hepatitis or steatohepatitis) reduce the sensitivity of cells to insulin, which disrupts the absorption of glucose by tissues and can lead to the development of insulin resistance and diabetes. Also, the damaged liver may lose the ability to regulate the release of glucose, which contributes to its excessive formation. The combination of diabetes and liver disease increases the risk of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and cardiovascular disease (heart attack and stroke).

- To reduce risks and improve the condition, - advised Olga Panes, - regularly examine the liver, monitor glucose levels, give up alcohol. Timely diagnosis and lifestyle correction help break the vicious circle of mutually aggravating diseases. Neurologist told how Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes are related tyshkevich@sb.by