Weight reduction improves markers of hepatic function and insulin resistance in type-2 diabetic patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver

Abstract

Objective: The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing dramatically affecting up to 30% of the population worldwide. At present, treatment options are limited and pharmacological management of NAFLD has had disappointing results. Some of the best available evidence to improve NAFLD concerns lifestyle modification. Objective: To detect the degree of weight reduction needed to improve the markers of hepatic function and insulin resistance in type-2 diabetics with NAFLD. Methods: One hundred type-2 diabetic male patients with NAFLD were included into this study and divided into two equal groups. Group (A) received aerobic exercise training in addition to diet regimen. Group (B) received no treatment intervention.Results: There was a 26.99%, 40.8%, 33.81%, 32.73%, 37.8% and 15 % reduction in mean values of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Gamma -Glutamyltransferase (GGT) and Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance-index (HOMA-IR) and BMI respectively in group (A) at the end of the study. While there were significant differences between mean levels of the investigated parameters in group (A) and group (B) after treatment. Conclusion: About 15 % reduction in BMI is effective to improve the liver condition and insulin resistance in type-2 diabetics with NAFLD.

Efficacy of dietary and physical activity intervention in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review

“…These trials ranged in durations of 10 weeks to 12 months with two exclusively studying women35 or men 36. They all used a combination of hypocaloric diet and regular aerobic exercise, although protocols varied with some also assessing the benefits of resistance exercise.…”

Analysis of risk factors and their interactions in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross‐sectional survey in Guilin, China

“…Furthermore, type 2 diabetes might promote the development of NAFLD. Studies have shown that a low‐fat diet, lifestyle change, and more exercise can improve liver function and mitigate insulin resistance in liver, thereby treating NAFLD and exerting positive effects on type 2 diabetes.…”

The hypolipidaemic effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis ) supplementation in a Cretan population: a prospective study

“…However, this BW loss is remarkable considering that a moderate BW loss (5-10% of baseline BW) has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension and hyperlipidemia [ 48 , 49 ]. Moreover, a gradual BW loss through improved diet and increased physical activity is the main guideline for the management of NAFLD [ 50 ], the cornerstone therapy of NAFLD, improving liver enzymes, insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation and liver histology [ 6 , 51 - 56 ]. The BW loss could be explained mainly by the low fat and low carbohydrates content of Spirulina supplementation which is far lower than almost all other protein sources [ 1 ].…”