MASLD & Type 2 Diabetes: Prevalence & Impact
- A recent study from Linköping University indicates a strong link between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), also known as fatty liver.
- MASLD is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver and is closely associated with both obesity and T2D. Globally, the prevalence of MASLD is 38%, but it...
- Wile Balkhed, a PhD student at Linköping University, explained that metabolic syndrome, involving fat accumulation and poor blood sugar control, increases the risk of secondary diseases like type...
Discover a groundbreaking study revealing a significant connection between MASLD (fatty liver disease) adn type 2 diabetes. the research indicates that approximately 60% of individuals with type 2 diabetes also have fatty liver. Obesity dramatically elevates the risk of more severe liver ailments in those with type 2 diabetes, highlighting the need for early detection and intervention. Learn how the EPSONIP study employed MRI scans to assess the prevalence and severity. This report from News Directory 3 examines the findings from Linköping University, emphasizing that folks with both obesity and type 2 diabetes are at a heightened risk. Discover what’s next …
Fatty Liver Common in Type 2 diabetes, Especially With Obesity
updated June 18, 2025
A recent study from Linköping University indicates a strong link between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), also known as fatty liver. Researchers found that approximately 60% of individuals with T2D also had fatty liver. The study,published in the Journal of Internal Medicine,highlights that obesity,combined with T2D,significantly elevates the risk of developing severe liver disease.
MASLD is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver and is closely associated with both obesity and T2D. Globally, the prevalence of MASLD is 38%, but it ranges from 55% to 73% among individuals with T2D.
Wile Balkhed, a PhD student at Linköping University, explained that metabolic syndrome, involving fat accumulation and poor blood sugar control, increases the risk of secondary diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues.
To investigate the prevalence and severity of MASLD in individuals with T2D, researchers conducted the EPSONIP study, involving 308 participants with T2D from primary care. The study used MRIs to evaluate liver fat, cardiac function, muscle composition, and body fat distribution.
Mattias Ekstedt, a senior associate professor at Linköping University, emphasized the importance of identifying individuals at high risk of serious liver disease for early intervention. He expressed hope that the study data would aid in pinpointing these high-risk individuals.
The EPSONIP study revealed that 59% of participants had MASLD, 7% had suspected advanced fibrosis, and nearly 2% had cirrhosis.Those with MASLD had a higher body mass index and a greater prevalence of obesity. MRI scans also showed higher amounts of visceral and abdominal subcutaneous fat, along with fat infiltration in muscles, among individuals with MASLD.Additionally, these individuals had reduced left ventricular stroke volume index and increased left ventricular concentricity. The study also found that obesity increased the risk of fibrotic MASLD eightfold.
Balkhed noted that individuals with both T2D and obesity are at particular risk and should be prioritized in health care efforts. In the study, 13% of this group had early-stage liver scarring, compared to only 2% of those with T2D alone.
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