Does Diabetes Lead to Liver Cancer and Cirrhosis?

If you are a Diabetic,  it can be a good idea to take preventative steps in order to help protect your liver. This is because Diabetes can raise your risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition where excess fat builds up in your liver and can lead to serious diseases as a result. Associated with Diabetes and other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and heart disease, fatty liver disease is becoming more and more common. The disease can raise your risk of developing liver inflammation or scarring on the liver, known as cirrhosis, as well as being linked to an increased risk of liver cancer, heart disease, and kidney disease. To learn more about this disease, the symptoms, and causes, keep reading. 

Diabetes and The Causes of Liver Disease

If more than five to ten percent of the liver’s weight is fat, it is deemed a fatty liver. There exist many types and forms of fatty liver disease, one of which is caused by excessive consumption of alcohol, called alcoholic fatty liver. Other forms include nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), where alcohol is not the cause of the condition. The more severe form of NAFLD is nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is also one of the leading causes of cirrhosis. This disease includes liver cell damage, caused by inflammation. There are a variety of factors that can cause NAFLD and NASH or put someone at risk for the conditions. These include obesity, diabetes, high levels of fats in the blood, such as cholesterol, rapid weight loss, poor eating habits, certain medications, and more.

Symptoms Liver Disease

Often times there are no symptoms associated with fatty liver disease, and people can have NASH for years before showing any signs. When they do occur, symptoms include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea, poor appetite, Jaundice, Edema, and confusion. Because this disease may not show any signs even though a person can have had it for a while, it is best to work with a certified digestive health care team to discuss your health in general as well as any risk factors associated with liver disease, Diabetes and more.

Treatment of Liver Disease With Diabetes

Diabetes can raise your risk of developing Liver disease that can lead to Cirrhosis, as well as an increased risk of liver cancer. There are preventative steps you can take to protect yourself such as limiting your alcohol consumption. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise habits, and establishing an open line of communication with your doctor can pave the way for a healthy liver, especially if you’re a Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetic. Your doctor will be able to give you helpful educational materials and information, as well as monitor you for any symptoms of these diseases. That can go a long way in maintaining and protecting the health of your liver. Because no medications have yet to be proven effective for treating fatty liver disease, there are no approved medical treatments for NAFLD or NASH. As a result, monitoring both of these diseases remains very lifestyle-oriented, meaning that its best to talk to your doctor now if you think you are at risk. This can not only give you peace-of-mind but also help you stay informed about your health status.

Diabetes and Liver Specialists in New Jersey

If you are a Diabetic and are worried about Liver Cancers and Diseases, our gastroenterology specialists at Digestive Healthcare Center can guide and educate you on a healthy lifestyle.  At Digestive Healthcare Center, patients come first and we will help you address any health concerns you are having and set you up with one of our experienced physicians. We have three convenient locations around New Jersey, in Hillsborough, Somerville, and Warren.  If you would like to learn more about our digestive healthcare services, contact us today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.