PREVALANE OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
The prevalence of NAFLD is increasing but has not been frequently studied in Malaysian population. NAFLD is associated with risks such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM), obesity and dyslipidemia. We aim to study the prevalence of NAFLD amongst Type 2 DM patients and identify its correlation with Hba1c, Triglyceride, Low-Density Lipoprotein, High Density Lipoprotein levels and BMI.

METHODOLOGY
This is a cohort study reviewing patients with Type 2 DM who are under MOPD, HTAN follow-up from year 2012. Patients with Type 2 DM who met the inclusion criteria were selected and subjected to ultrasonography. Data analysis was done using chi square test.

RESULTS
A total of 525 patients were recruited, however there was a drop-out of 250 patients. 105 of 275 patients (38.2%) had NAFLD. In our study, we found that the prevalence of NAFLD was more in patients with higher BMI (≥23 kg/m2). 40.2% of patients with BMI ≥23 kg/m2 had NAFLD versus 20.7% of patients with BMI <23 kg/m2 (p=0.040). The prevalence of NAFLD was also more in patients with higher triglyceride levels (triglyceride ≥1.7 mmol/L); 46.8% of patients with triglyceride ≥1.7 mmol/L had NAFLD versus 32.3% of patients with triglyceride <1.7 mmol/L (p=0.015). This was also the same for persons with diabetes with HbA1C level of ≥6.5%. 41.0% of patients with HbA1c level ≥6.5% had NAFLD as compared to 26.4% of patients with HbA1c<6.5% (p=0.050).

CONCLUSION
The prevalence of NAFLD was higher in patients with higher BMI (≥23kg/m2), triglyceride levels (≥1.7 mmol/L), and Hba1c levels (≥6.5%). Therefore, it is vital to address these risk factors to reduce the prevalence of NAFLD in patients with type 2 DM.