Non-Invasive Diagnostic of NAFLD in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Risk Stratification: Strengths and Limitations

Abstract

The progressive potential of liver damage in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) towards advanced fibrosis, end-stage liver disease, and hepatocarcinoma has led to increased concern for quantifying liver injury and individual risk assessment. The combination of blood-based markers and imaging techniques is recommended for the initial evaluation in NAFLD and for regular monitoring to evaluate disease progression. Continued development of ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging methods for accurate quantification of liver steatosis and fibrosis, as well as promising tools for the detection of high-risk NASH, have been noted. In this review, we aim to summarize available evidence regarding the usefulness of non-invasive methods for the assessment of NAFLD in T2DM. We focus on the power and limitations of various methods for diagnosis, risk stratification, and patient monitoring that support their implementation in clinical setting or in research field.