DIABETES WARNING: SEVERE LIVER DISEASE NAMED FOURTH MAJOR COMPLICATION IN MAJOR LANCET STUDY

Diabetes is among the most concerning illnesses across the world, as it slowly affects other organs as well. In a major new study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia, scientists have raised alarm bells for millions living with the metabolic disease. Researchers say liver disease should be considered the fourth major complication of diabetes, along with eye, kidney, and nerve damage - reshaping how the condition is understood and managed.

Diabetes causes your blood sugar levels to spike, eventually leading to hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels. And when you have high blood sugar levels persistently, it leads to diabetes.

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What did the study find?

The large-scale DiaFib-Liver Study, conducted across 27 centres in India, including Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, analysed over 9,000 patients with type 2 diabetes using FibroScan - a non-invasive tool that measures liver stiffness. The striking findings include:

• 26 per cent of people had significant liver fibrosis
• 5 per cent showed signs of cirrhosis, an advanced and irreversible stage
• 14 per cent had advanced fibrosis despite no symptoms

Even more concerning, the study said around 13 per cent of patients without fatty liver still had fibrosis, meaning traditional screening methods may miss at-risk individuals.

Why does it matter?

Diabetes – over the course of time, if not managed properly, can lead to multiple organ damage, including the liver. As high blood sugar leads to insulin resistance, excess fat builds up in the liver, leading to inflammation, which progresses to fibrosis, thereafter cirrhosis, and sometimes even liver cancer.

According to Parag Rana, a contributor to the study, “Liver disease is emerging as a parallel and often silent threat, with many patients already having advanced damage without knowing it.”

What are the key risk factors?

Doctors say up to two-thirds of diabetic patients may have fatty liver, often without obvious symptoms. Several factors that increase risk include:

• Obesity and excess weight
• High cholesterol
• Long-standing diabetes
• Poor kidney function

Why is detection a problem?

Liver disease is notoriously silent. Early stages often show no symptoms, and routine blood tests may not detect fibrosis. That is where FibroScan comes in - a painless, ultrasound-based tool that measures liver stiffness and helps detect damage early.

The study strongly recommends making liver screening a routine part of diabetes care.

What can you do to prevent liver issues?

Doctors say an early action can significantly reduce risk. Here’s how:

Eat smart

Increase your intake of fibre, vegetables, and lean protein

Stay active

Regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity

Lose weight

Keep your weight in check. Even a 5 to 10 per cent weight loss can help prevent liver issues

Avoid alcohol

Alcohol accelerates liver damage

Manage diabetes

Stick to prescribed medications and always consult your doctor

Get screened regularly

Ask your doctor about FibroScan

With over 100 million people living with diabetes in India, this study signals a growing public health concern. Experts are now urging policymakers to include liver screening in national diabetes programs, just like eye and kidney checks.

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2026-04-08T04:16:25Z