What is the connection between a fatty liver and metabolic syndrome? A fatty liver may be a new component to metabolic syndrome. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a condition where fat deposits in the liver in nonalcoholic people. Some studies have shown an association between fatty liver and metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors, such as elevated cholesterol levels, elevated glucose levels, and high blood pressure, which indicate the possibility of future health problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is commonly associated with overweight people, but not always. Insulin resistance is a common indicator of the condition. Normally fatty liver disease is normally associated with alcohol abuse. Researchers are also finding that fatty liver disease is also common in people with metabolic syndrome as well.
Studies show there are quite a few connections between a fatty liver and metabolic syndrome. Nonalcoholic liver disease is more common in people with metabolic syndrome than those who don’t, according to a study on Annals.org. The study list also found that people who have metabolic syndrome were more likely to have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease than those who don’t. In addition, nonalcoholic fatty liver was less likely or slower to resolve itself in people who had metabolic syndrome.
Fatty Liver, Metabolic Syndrome, & Insulin
Nonalcoholic liver disease in not yet included as a component of metabolic syndrome. However, data indicates that the onset of nonalcoholic liver disease “is an early event in the development of insulin resistance and might thus predict the presence of future development of the metabolic syndrome.” There is still progress taking place on understanding the connection between a fatty liver and metabolic syndrome. However, it is a promising association and may bring about new therapeutic options for metabolic disorders.
One of the advantages at looking for a fatty liver as a sign of metabolic syndrome is that it can manifest in a documentary form where symptoms such as abdominal pain and fatigue cannot. Tests on liver enzymes, for example, can determine if a person has fatty liver disease, and a CAT scan can reveal the presence of fatty liver disease and visceral abnormalities.
In addition, weight programs, exercise programs, healthy diet treatments can be implemented as soon as liver problems are revealed. This of course will immediately reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome or other liver diseases. Both fatty liver and metabolic syndrome are more easily controlled with early detection.
