Prevalence and Crucial Parameters in Diabesity-Related Liver Fibrosis: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Diabetes and obesity have been recognized as confirmed risk factors for the occurrence of liver fibrosis. Despite the long-standing acknowledgment of “diabesity”, the simultaneous existence of diabetes and obesity, scholarly literature has shown limited attention to this topic. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the prevalence of liver fibrosis among individuals with diabetes (specifically those who are obese) in order to identify the key factors associated with hepatofibrosis and determine the most important associations and differences between patients with and without liver fibrosis. The research included a total of 164 participants (48.17% had comorbid obesity). Liver elastography (Fibroscan) was performed on these individuals in addition to laboratory tests. Liver fibrosis was found in 34.76% of type 2 diabetes patients; male gender almost doubled the risk of hepatofibrosis (RR 1.81) and diabesity nearly tripled this risk (RR 2.81; however, in degree III of obesity, the risk was elevated to 3.65 times higher). Anisocytosis, thrombocytopenia, or elevated liver enzymes raised the incidence of liver fibrosis by 1.78 to 2.47 times. In these individuals, liver stiffness was negatively correlated with MCV, platelet count, and albumin concentration; GGTP activity and HbA1c percentage were positively correlated. The regression analysis results suggest that the concentration of albumin and the activity of GGTP are likely to have a substantial influence on the future management of liver fibrosis in patients with diabesity. The findings of this study can serve as the basis for subsequent investigations and actions focused on identifying potential therapeutic and diagnostic avenues.