People with diabetes have a greater risk of liver disease

Total Health | March 31st, 2011

Research conducted by Edinburgh University has identified that people with diabetesA disorder caused by insufficient or absent production of the hormone insulin by the pancreas, or because the tissues are resistant to the effects. are up to 70% more likely to die from liverA large abdominal organ that has many important roles including the production of bile and clotting factors, detoxification, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. disease compared to those without the condition.

Diabetes is already known to increase the risk of some types of liver disease, because of poor bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. sugar control. This can lead to scarring of the liver which is also known as cirrhosisscarring of the liver. and cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body.. 

The study analysed the records of people aged 35 to 84 from 2001 to 2007 and compared 1,267 diabetes sufferers and 10,000 people without the condition, all of whom died from some form of liver disease.

The results found that 24% of people with diabetes died of liver cancer, compared to 9% in non-diabetics. The majority of people without diabetes died from alcoholic liver disease at 63%, compared to 38% of the diabetic people.  The study confirms the link between diabetes and liver disease. 

Diabetics are advised not to drink much alcohol as this can impact on the blood sugar levels as well as increasing the risk of weight gain. 

The findings from the study are currently being presented at the Diabetes UK Annual Professional Conference.

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