Liver Day: Docs say young adults with diabetes at greater risk of liver diseases

Liver diseases like hepatitis fatty liver and cirrhosis are increasingly being seen in young adults aged 2335 especially those with Type 2 diabetesEvery year World Liver Day is observed on April 19 around the globe to raise awareness and promote liver health as well as educate people about liver diseases risk factors and how to prevent them according to the World Liver Day organisationAccording to experts the growing number of liverrelated complications in diabetic youth is a major cause for concern and requires timely intervention There is a surge in cases of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD and liver cirrhosis in younger adults a shift from the older age group that traditionally battled these diseases Doctors explain that diabetes is silently damaging the Liver leading to scarring fibrosis and eventually irreversible cirrhosis if left unmanaged Hence early screening lifestyle changes and proper diabetes control to prevent longterm liver damage and improve the quality of lifeDr Vibha Varma consultant and head of liver transplant and hepatobiliarypancreatic surgeon Lilavati Hospital in Bandra said Obesity diabetes fatty liver and high cholesterol are on the rise to the extent that it is becoming an epidemic as over 13rd of the global population is affected by them Liver disease is no longer a disease of the elderly Young productive workforce involved in economic growth are getting affected by liver disease Metabolic dysfunctionassociated liver disease MASLD is the name given to fatty liver disease linked to these health problems MASLD can lead to advanced liver disease cirrhosis scarring of the liver and become a precursor for liver cancer if remains untreated Unfortunately in the early stages this disease does not present with symptoms However it is preventable and reversible in the early stages It is a matter of healthy lifestyle healthy nutrition and awareness Some of the reasons attributed to this rise in liver disease in the young population are related to the lifestyle sedentary chair work no physical activity lack of adequate sleep food habits ultraprocessed food high in carbohydrates quick fix diets and addictions alcohol intake What you eat today decides your liver health in the future Small achievable changes in diet and nutrition can reverse even years of liver damage in the early stage of the diseaseDr Tushar Rane consulting cardiodiabetes physician at Apollo Spectra in Chembur said Youngsters aged 2335 with Type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop liverrelated complications One of the major concerns is NonAlcoholic Fatty Liver Disease NAFLD which silently damages the liver over the years If not treated in time NAFLD can progress to liver cirrhosis which is permanent and dangerous 50 per cent of youngsters are known to have abnormal blood sugar levels and diabetes There is around a 20 per cent surge in liver problems in youngsters with diabetes In a month 5 out of 10 patients with liver damage have diabetes and are advised treatment inclusive of medication and lifestyle changes such as maintaining an optimum weight eating a nutritious diet and exercising daily Early lifestyle intervention is the key to avoiding liver problems in those with diabetesrdquoDr Neeta Shah diabetologist Zynova Shalby Hospital in Ghatkopar West highlighted ldquoDiabetes doesnrsquot just affect the pancreas but even the liver as well Pancreas and liver are two wheels of a cycle reinforcing each other in development and progression of diabetes each wheel accelerating the other in the vicious circle High blood glucose poor diet and sedentary habits cause fat to build up in the liver and pancreas which leads to inflammation and scarring Over time this results in cirrhosis a stage where the liver cannot heal itself 30 per cent of youngsters aged 2335 are struggling with abnormal blood sugar levels and diabetes There is about a 15 per cent surge in liver problems in youngsters with preexisting diabetes In a month 3 out of 10 patients with liver damage have diabetes So young diabetics must follow the treatment and management as suggested by the doctorSo what steps can people take Dr Vibha recommends A diet that has high fibre low in sugar and saturated fats rich in fruits and vegetables whole grains and healthy fats like olive oil will support a healthy liver If you are heavy around your waist seeking healthy food habits along with lifestyle changes physical activity exercise and losing even 510 per cent of body weight can cause a significant reduction in the grade of fatty liver and potentially reverse early changes of liver damage Also adopting healthy meals can cut down about 50 per cent of the risk of developing liver disease in the future Silent liver diseases like fatty liver are associated with obesity and everincreasing incidence of diabetes hence needs attention by adopting healthy lifestyle and food habitsIt is essential to spread awareness about mindful eating healthy food for the liver and screening in case you have diabetes fatty liver and obesity If you feel you are suffering from any signs of liver disease easy fatiguability yellowish discolouration of eyes or weight loss act seek help and screen you might be in a stage where simple measures could reverse the disease You will also be able to prevent future distressing liver health issues where the medications might not help and liver transplant replacing bad liver with a new liver becomes your only chance to get curedrdquo Dr Vibha concludesatOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params