Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its association with surrogate markers of insulin resistance in patients with type 1 diabetes

The potential of glucose management indicator for the estimation of glucose disposal rate in people with type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Insulin resistance is a growing feature in type 1 diabetes (T1D). It can be quantified by calculating the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) with the Epstein's formula, which includes laboratory-measured glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). We aimed the current research to assess the agreement between the conventional eGDR formula and an alternative one (eGDR-GMI) incorporating the glucose management indicator (GMI) derived from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). We also explored the relationship between eGDR-GMI, cardiovascular risk factors, and the prevalence of diabetes-related complications.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We designed a cross-sectional study that included adults with T1D. eGDR-GMI and eGDR (mg/kg/min) were calculated using GMI or HbA1c, waist circumference, and hypertensive state. Clinical data were collected from electronic medical records. The analyses encompassed 158 participants with a mean age of 39 ± 13 years. The Bland-Altman analysis showed a good agreement between eGDR-GMI and eGDR. When we divided participants in eGDR-GMI tertiles we found a higher prevalence of diabetes-related complications and a less favorable metabolic profile in the lowest eGDR-GMI tertile. The relative risk of retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy significantly increased by approximately 1 unit with each decrease in eGDR-GMI, regardless of age, sex, disease duration, lipids, and smoking habit.

CONCLUSIONS

eGDR-GMI represents a valid and robust alternative to the eGDR to assess insulin resistance in T1D. Low eGDR-GMI is associated with diabetes complications and a less favorable metabolic profile. Incorporating the eGDR-GMI into clinical practice can enhance the characterization of T1D people and allow for a more personalized treatment approach.

Association Between Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Incident Gastrointestinal Cancer in Korean Population: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The age-standardised incidence ratio of gastrointestinal cancers in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients has been reported to be higher than that in the general population. After adjusting for shared risk factors, we aimed to explore the association between T1D and gastrointestinal cancer and examine how this relationship varies by age and sex.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 268,179 participants from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort. The primary outcome is the incident of gastrointestinal cancers, based on diagnostic codes. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the association between T1D and gastrointestinal cancers.

RESULTS

Of the 268,179 participants, 2681 had T1D at baseline and were followed for 12.98 (± 2.92) years. Compared with non-T1D, T1D patients had a significantly increased risk of all gastrointestinal cancer (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.403, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.253-1.573). T1D patients increased risks of oesophageal cancer (aHR: 1.864, 95% CI: 1.038-3.349), gastric cancer (aHR: 1.313, 95% CI: 1.066-1.616), colon cancer (aHR: 1.365, 95% CI: 1.110-1.678), liver cancer (aHR: 1.388, 95% CI: 1.115-1.727), and pancreatic cancer (aHR: 1.716, 95% CI: 1.182-2.492). The consistency of this association persisted among both male and female, with its strength increasing with older age.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of gastrointestinal cancer was significantly increased in T1D patients. Older male T1D patients exhibit a higher risk, suggesting the need for targeted attention in their care.

Converging Pathways between Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Diabetes in Children

In the past thirty years, childhood obesity rates have risen significantly worldwide, affecting over 340 million children in affluent nations. This surge is intricately tied to metabolic disorders, notably insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the continually evolving spectrum of metabolic-associated (dysfunction) steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This review underscores the alarming escalation of childhood obesity and delves comprehensively into the evolving and dynamic changes of nomenclature surrounding diverse conditions of hepatic steatosis, from the initial recognition of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to the progressive evolution into MASLD. Moreover, it emphasizes the crucial role of pediatric endocrinologists in thoroughly and accurately investigating MASLD onset in children with T2DM, where each condition influences and exacerbates the progression of the other. This review critically highlights the inadequacies of current screening strategies and diagnosis, stressing the need for a paradigm shift. A proposed solution involves the integration of hepatic magnetic resonance imaging assessment into the diagnostic arsenal for children showing insufficient glycemic control and weight loss post-T2DM diagnosis, thereby complementing conventional liver enzyme testing. This holistic approach aims to significantly enhance diagnostic precision, fostering improved outcomes in this vulnerable high-risk pediatric population.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is associated with worse time in ranges in type 1 diabetes

AIM

To investigate the relationship between continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived glucometrics and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study collecting data on anthropometrics, glucometrics and MASLD in adults with T1D using a CGM device was conducted. MASLD was assessed by abdominal ultrasound and the presence of at least one cardiometabolic criterion. Backward multivariable logistic regression models were applied to define variables independently associated with MASLD.

RESULTS

A total of 302 consecutive participants were included (median age 49 [34-61] years, male sex 58%, median diabetes duration 29 [17-38] years, mean time in range [TIR] 55% ± 16%). MASLD was present in 17% of cases, and 32% had metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS was significantly more prevalent in the MASLD group (65% vs. 25%, P < .0001). TIR (P = .038) and time below range (TBR) (P = .032) were lower and time above range (TAR) was higher (P = .006), whereas HbA1c did not reach significance (P = .068). No differences were found for the glycaemia risk index. TIR (P = .028), TAR (P = .007), TBR (P = .036), waist circumference (P < .001) and systolic blood pressure (P = .029) were independently associated with MASLD, while sex, age, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, gamma-glutamyl transferase, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were not.

CONCLUSIONS

TIR, TAR, TBR, waist circumference and systolic blood pressure were independently associated with MASLD.

Type 1 diabetes and combined acute and chronic complications are associated with risk of progression of liver fibrosis: a Mendelian randomization study

Background

There has been controversy and uncertainty regarding the causal relationship between type 1 diabetes, its consequences, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis. In order to determine the causal relationship, we conducted a Mendelian randomization study (MR).

Methods

For the first time, we subjected multiple diabetes data to analyze its relationship with the progression of liver fibrosis. Once the instrumental variables had been extracted, we assessed them employing Cochran's Q multi-analysis, inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO, weighted mode, and weighted median.

Results

Genetically predicted type 1 diabetes (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.23, ** P = 3.42 × 10-3), type 1 diabetes without complications (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.03-1.23, * P = 1.26 × 10-2), type 1 diabetes with coma (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1-1.18, * P = 4.74 × 10-2), type 1 diabetes with ketoacidosis (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.13, * P = 1.3 × 10-2), type 1 diabetes with neurological complications (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.11-1.26, *** P = 4.05 × 10-7), type 1 diabetes with ophthalmic complications (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05-1.28, ** P = 3.06 × 10-3), type 1 diabetes with renal complications (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1-1.13, *P = 3.45 × 10-2), type 1 diabetes with other specified/multiple/unspecified complications (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02-1.23, * P = 1.41 × 10-2) were all associated with an increased risk of liver fibrosis progression.

Conclusions

According to our MR investigation, type 1 diabetes and both its acute and chronic implications may increase the likelihood that liver fibrosis could continue to develop. Additionally, type 1 diabetes with neurological and ocular problems is more likely to accelerate the development of liver fibrosis and inflammation, which offers new insights for genetic investigations.

Association of physical activity and sports participation with insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in people with type 1 diabetes

AIM

To evaluate the association between physical activity (PA) and sports participation with insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

People with T1D from a secondary and tertiary care centre were included. Questionnaire-derived PA was expressed in metabolic equivalent of task hours per week (METh/week). Insulin sensitivity was calculated with the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR). NAFLD was assessed by transient elastography (TE). Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were conducted, adjusted for age, sex, diabetes duration and BMI.

RESULTS

In total, 254 participants were included (men 56%, age 44 ± 14 years, diabetes duration 24 ± 14 years, median BMI 24.8 kg/m2), of which 150 participants underwent TE. Total PA (median 50.7 METh/week) was not significantly associated with insulin resistance (median eGDR 7.31 mg/kg/min) (beta -0.00, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.00) or with NAFLD (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.99-1.01). Participating in sports was significantly associated with eGDR (beta 0.94, 95% CI 0.48-1.41) and with NAFLD (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08-0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

In our T1D population, we could not find any dose-dependent association between PA, insulin resistance and NAFLD. People participating in sports had a lower degree of insulin resistance and lower odds for NAFLD.

Associations between estimated glucose disposal rate and arterial stiffness and mortality among US adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background

The estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), an effective indicator of insulin resistance, has been related to acute coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke and heart failure. This study aims to explore the relationship between eGDR and arterial stiffness, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

Participants with NAFLD were chosen from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018. The main outcomes are arterial stiffness (represented by estimated pulse wave velocity, ePWV), all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Multiple cox regression models, restricted cubic spline, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were carried out to investigate the correlation between the insulin resistance indicators and mortality and arterial stiffness. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare the predictive value of the eGDR with the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Results

In this study, a total of 4,861 participants were included for analysis. After adjusting confounding factors in the multivariate weighted cox regression model, the eGDR was inversely associated with the all-cause mortality (Q4 vs. Q1, HR =0.65 (0.48-0.89, P=0.01) and cardiovascular mortality (Q4 vs. Q1, HR =0.35 (0.19-0.65, P<0.001). Compared with TyG index and HOMA-IR, the eGDR shows excellent predictive value in all-cause mortality (0.588 vs. 0.550 vs. 0.513, P < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (0.625 vs. 0.553 vs. 0.537, P < 0.001). In addition, we found a significant negative correlation between eGDR and arterial stiffness (β=-0.13(-0.14-0.11, P< 0.001). However, TyG index and HOMA-IR showed no significant correlation to arterial stiffness.

Conclusions

Low eGDR (an indicator of insulin resistance) levels are related to an increased risk of arterial stiffness and mortality in NAFLD patients in the United States.

Prevalence and predictive features of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in type 1 diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The prevalence and severity of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in type 1 diabetes remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and severity of MASLD in type 1 diabetes and assessed which clinical features are most important in predicting MASLD severity.

METHODS

A total of 453 individuals with type 1 diabetes (41.6 ± 15.0 years, 64% female, body mass index [BMI] 25.4 ± 4.2 kg/m2, and HbA1c 55.6 ± 12 mmol/mol) underwent vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE), with a controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score for steatosis (≥280.0 dB/m) and a liver stiffness measurement (LMS) for fibrosis (≥8.0 kPa). A machine learning Extra-Trees classification model was performed to assess the predictive power of the clinical features associated with type 1 diabetes with respect to steatosis and fibrosis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis was 9.5% (95% CI, 6.8-12.2) and 3.5% (95% CI, 1.8-5.2). Higher LMS was associated with a longer duration of type 1 diabetes (median 30.5 [IQR 18.0-39.3] years vs 15.0 [IQR 6.0-27.0] years), and individuals were older, had a higher BMI (mean 27.8 ± 5.2 vs 25.3 ± 4.1 kg/m2), and a higher CAP score (mean 211.4 ± 51.7 dB/m vs 241.4 ± 75.6 dB/m). The most important predictive features of fibrosis were duration of type 1 diabetes, age, and systolic blood pressure, with a mean ± SD area under the curve of 0.73 ± 0.03.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with type 1 diabetes and high blood pressure, older age, higher BMI, and longer duration of disease could be considered at high-risk for developing MASLD.

Epidemiology of NAFLD - Focus on diabetes

There is increasing appreciation of the complex interaction between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and insulin resistance. Not only is the prevalence of NAFLD disease high among patients with T2D, the liver disease is also more progressive. Currently, the global prevalence of NAFLD in the general population (2016-2019) is 38 %. The prevalence of T2D among those with NAFLD is approximately 23 % while the prevalence of NAFLD among those with T2D can be as high as 70 %. The prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is approximately 7 % in the general population and 37 % among patients with T2D. Globally, the MENA and Latin America regions of the world appear to have the highest burden of both NAFLD and T2D. Compared to those with NAFLD but without T2D, those with NAFLD and T2D are at a much higher risk for disease progression to cirrhosis and for decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and all-cause mortality. Given that highly effective new treatments are available for T2D, high risk NAFLD with T2D should be considered for these regimens. This requires implementation of risk stratification algorithms in the primary care and endocrinology practices to identify those patients at highest risk for adverse outcomes.

Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Diabetes: A Double Whammy

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and affects about 55% of people living with diabetes. MAFLD has been shown to be an individual risk factor for cardiovascular disease and its associated mortality. Although common, MAFLD is often underdiagnosed and not given adequate attention during clinical visits. This review highlights the most recent literature available on the evaluation and management of MAFLD in the presence of diabetes. The more recently available antidiabetic agents including glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have been shown to effectively manage both diabetes and MAFLD.

Retinal Vascular Lesions in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize and compare data on retinal vascular lesions between patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and individuals without the disease. Methods: Search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library, complemented by handsearching (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022345558). Thirty-six studies comprising 24,985 individuals (12,387 NAFLD patients and 12,598 controls) were selected for the meta-analysis. Results: Apart from retinopathy, no study with a different type of retinal vascular lesion was retrieved. Overall, there was no significant difference in the presence of retinopathy in NAFLD patients compared to controls (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.20; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.91-1.59). Heterogeneity among studies was high (I² = 93%; p < 0.00001), while Egger's test revealed no publication bias (p = 0.60). However, subgroup analysis showed positive association between retinopathy and NAFLD in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) (OR = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.53-3.60), but not in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Meta-regression analysis exploring potential confounders revealed no significant association. Conclusions: The presence of retinopathy was not overall different between individuals with and without NAFLD; however, T1DM patients with NAFLD had higher rates of retinopathy compared to T1DM patients without NAFLD, a finding warranting further research to show whether NAFLD may predict retinopathy in T1DM patients.

Prevalence, risk factors and diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive tests for NAFLD in people with type 1 diabetes

Background & Aims

The epidemiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is not yet elucidated. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive tests for NAFLD, to investigate the prevalence and severity of NAFLD, and to search for factors contributing to NAFLD in people with T1D.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, we consecutively screened 530 adults with T1D from a tertiary care hospital, using ultrasound (US), vibration-controlled transient elastography equipped with liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter, and the fatty liver index. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was performed in a representative subgroup of 132 individuals to validate the diagnostic accuracy of the non-invasive tests.

Results

Based on MRS as reference standard, US identified individuals with NAFLD with an AUROC of 0.98 (95% CI 0.95-1.00, sensitivity: 1.00, specificity: 0.96). The controlled attenuation parameter was also accurate with an AUROC of 0.85 (95% CI 0.77-0.93). Youden cut-off was ≥270 dB/m (sensitivity: 0.90, specificity: 0.74). The fatty liver index yielded a similar AUROC of 0.83 (95% CI 0.74-0.91), but the conventional cut-off used to rule in (≥60) had low sensitivity and specificity (0.62, 0.78). The prevalence of NAFLD in the overall cohort was 16.2% based on US. Metabolic syndrome was associated with NAFLD (OR: 2.35 [1.08-5.12], p = 0.031). The overall prevalence of LSM ≥8.0 kPa indicating significant fibrosis was 3.8%, but reached 13.2% in people with NAFLD.

Conclusions

NAFLD prevalence in individuals with T1D is 16.2%, with approximately one in 10 featuring elevated LSM. US-based screening could be considered in people with T1D and metabolic syndrome.

Impact and Implications

We aimed to report on the prevalence, disease severity, and risk factors of NAFLD in type 1 diabetes (T1D), while also tackling which non-invasive test for NAFLD is the most accurate. We found that ultrasound is the best test to diagnose NAFLD. NAFLD prevalence is 16.2%, and is associated with metabolic syndrome and BMI. Elevated liver stiffness indicating fibrosis is overall not prevalent in people with T1D (3.8%), but it reaches 13.2% in those with T1D and NAFLD.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus—The Chicken or the Egg Dilemma

In clinical practice, we often deal with patients who suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) concurrent with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The etiopathogenesis of NAFLD is mainly connected with insulin resistance (IR) and obesity. Similarly, the latter patients are in the process of developing T2DM. However, the mechanisms of NAFLD and T2DM coexistence have not been fully elucidated. Considering that both diseases and their complications are of epidemic proportions and significantly affect the length and quality of life, we aimed to answer which of these diseases appears first and thereby highlight the need for their diagnosis and treatment. To address this question, we present and discuss the epidemiological data, diagnoses, complications and pathomechanisms of these two coexisting metabolic diseases. This question is difficult to answer due to the lack of a uniform procedure for NAFLD diagnosis and the asymptomatic nature of both diseases, especially at their beginning stages. To conclude, most researchers suggest that NAFLD appears as the first disease and starts the sequence of circumstances leading ultimately to the development of T2DM. However, there are also data suggesting that T2DM develops before NAFLD. Despite the fact that we cannot definitively answer this question, it is very important to bring the attention of clinicians and researchers to the coexistence of NAFLD and T2DM in order to prevent their consequences.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and complications in type 1 and type 2 diabetes: A Mendelian randomization study

AIM

To investigate the potential causal relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and complications in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to appraise after controlling for the confounding factors. Genetic instrument variables for NAFLD surrogated by chronically elevated serum alanine transferase were derived from a recent genome-wide association study. Diabetes-related complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis, nephropathy and retinopathy, were included as outcomes. Four complementary MR methods were used to test reliability.

RESULTS

Genetically instrumented NAFLD showed a suggestive causal association with ketoacidosis in T1D (odds ratio [OR]: 1.574; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.076, 2.302; P = .019; false discovery rate [FDR] = 0.096) and a significant causal association with early-stage kidney disease in T1D (OR: 1.249; 95% CI: 1.089, 1.432; P = 1.457 × 10^-3 , FDR = 0.015). Sensitivity analysis indicated low heterogeneity, low pleiotropy and high reliability of the causal estimates. However, the MR analyses failed to show a causal association between NAFLD and T1D retinopathy, T2D ketoacidosis, nephropathy and retinopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports a causal effect of genetically driven chronic serum alanine aminotransferase-associated NAFLD on early-stage kidney disease in T1D and a suggestive causal effect on ketoacidosis in T1D. However, MR studies did not provide enough evidence to suggest that NAFLD independently increases the risk of retinopathy in T1D and of ketoacidosis, nephropathy and retinopathy in T2D.

Novel insights into the pathogenic impact of diabetes on the gastrointestinal tract

Type 2 and type 1 diabetes are common endocrine disorders with a progressively increasing incidence worldwide. These chronic, systemic diseases have multiorgan implications, and the whole gastrointestinal (GI) tract represents a frequent target in terms of symptom appearance and interdependent pathophysiological mechanisms. Metabolic alterations linked with diabetic complications, neuropathy and disrupted hormone homeostasis can lead to upper and/or lower GI symptoms in up to 75% of diabetic patients, with multifactorial involvement of the oesophagus, stomach, upper and lower intestine, and of the gallbladder. On the other hand, altered gastrointestinal motility and/or secretions are able to affect glucose and lipid homeostasis in the short and long term. Finally, diabetes has been linked with increased cancer risk at different levels of the GI tract. The presence of GI symptoms and a comprehensive assessment of GI function should be carefully considered in the management of diabetic patients to avoid further complications and to ameliorate the quality of life. Additionally, the presence of gastrointestinal dysfunction should be adequately managed to improve metabolic homeostasis, the efficacy of antidiabetic treatments and secondary prevention strategies.

Mechanism Analysis of Metabolic Fatty Liver on Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) Based on Integrated Lipidomics and Proteomics

Metabolic fatty liver disease caused by high-starch diet restricted the intensive and sustainable development of carnivorous fish such as largemouth bass. In this study, the combination liver proteomic and lipidomic approach was employed to investigate the key signaling pathways and identify the critical biomarkers of fatty liver in largemouth bass. Joint analysis of the correlated differential proteins and lipids revealed nine common metabolic pathways; it was determined that FABP1 were significantly up-regulated in terms of transporting more triglycerides into the liver, while ABCA1 and VDAC1 proteins were significantly down-regulated in terms of preventing the transport of lipids and cholesterol out of the liver, leading to triglyceride accumulation in hepatocyte, eventually resulting in metabolic fatty liver disease. The results indicate that FABP1, ABCA1 and VDAC1 could be potential biomarkers for treating metabolic fatty liver disease of largemouth bass.