Frequency and risk factors associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the frequency of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and to describe its risk factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Blood samples of 78 patients were collected for assessment of glycemic and lipid profile, liver enzymes, TNF-alpha and HOMA-IR. The diagnosis of NAFLD was established by ultrasound. RESULTS NAFLD was observed in 42% of patients who had greater BMI (p < 0.001), and frequency of hypertension (p < 0.001). Metabolic syndrome was more frequent in those with NAFLD (p = 0.019). The levels of aspartate, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, uric acid, TNF-alpha, insulin and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in patients with NAFLD than those without NAFLD. CONCLUSION Almost half of patients with DM2 were found to have NAFLD, and they have more elevated BMI, as well as higher levels of aminotransferases, gamma-GT, uric acid, TNF-alpha, insulin and HOMA-IR than subjects without NAFLD.