Rising Global Epidemic: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – Understanding the Burden and Urgency for Effective Treatment
Liver diseases, especially (NAFLD) has become a global epidemic, just like any other non-
communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular
disease. The prevalence of NAFLD is estimated to be approximately 25% in the general
adult po
pulation worldwide, and it is estimated to be present in about 40% of children with obesity. The increasing prevalence of NAFLD has led to an increase in hepatic cirrhosis,hepatic cancer, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and subclinicalinflammation. This worsening of the global burden of NCDs highlights the need for a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of NAFLD and the development of effective treatment strategies.
Dr Sunil Kumar Kota, MD (Med), DNB (Endo), FACE Consultant Endocrinologist DIABETES & ENDOCARE Clinic, Berhampur, Odisha.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a global epidemic, affecting approximately 25% of the general adult population worldwide
NAFLD, a global epidemic, has affected approximately 25% of the general adult population worldwide and an estimated 40% of children with obesity. The rising prevalence of NAFLD is closely associated with the global surge in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Its pathophysiology shares similarities with other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This increase in NAFLD cases has led to a rise in hepatic cirrhosis, hepatic cancer, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance,dyslipidemia, and subclinical inflammation. Consequently, there is an urgent need for comprehensive treatment strategies and enhanced understanding of NAFLD’s pathophysiology.
The investigation highlighted the strong association between NAFLD and diabetes, exploring the key mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis
In a recent study, researchers aimed to understand the impact of diabetes on the development and progression of hepatic steatosis. The investigation highlighted the strong association between NAFLD and diabetes, exploring the key mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of both conditions. The study recommended categorizing individuals with diabetes and prediabetes based on major pathological pathways to improve the diagnosis and prediction of NAFLD progression. It emphasized the importance of personalized treatment strategies for NAFLD that take into account the underlying pathological mechanisms, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Advancing Treatment Strategies for NAFLD and Type 2 Diabetes: Exploring Efficacy and Synergistic Benefits while Addressing Global NCD Burden
Additionally, the examination discussed current treatment strategies for people with type 2
diabetes and their effectiveness in treating various hepatic diseases, including simple
steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and hepatic fibrosis. These treatments also have the added benefits of improving insulin resistance and glycemic control. While genetics plays a role in NAFLD, the rapid increase in its prevalence over the past two decades is largely driven by impairment of glucose and lipid metabolic pathways. Therefore, a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of NAFLD and the development of effective treatment strategies is essential in reducing the global burden of NCDs. The close association of NAFLD with other NCDs and communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, highlights the urgent need for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of NAFLD.
Exploring Pathological Mechanisms and Personalized Treatments for NAFLD and NCDs
NAFLD is a major public health concern that is closely linked to other NCDs and
communicable diseases. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of NAFLD and
developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies, we can improve outcomes for
patients and reduce the global burden of NCDs. The stratification of people with diabetes
and prediabetes by major pathological mechanistic pathways is essential for the diagnosis
and treatment of NAFLD, and personalised treatment based on the underlying pathological
mechanisms holds the potential to improve outcomes for patients. Finally, current treatments for people with type 2 diabetes have shown promise in treating hepatic diseases, highlighting the potential benefits of addressing the underlying metabolic impairments in patients with NAFLD.
