Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Fatty liver disease is a complication of type-2 Diabetes Mellitus, characterized by
the accumulation of ectopic fat that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney
disease, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite this, there is limited data regarding
fatty liver disease among type 2 Diabetics in Ethiopia.
Objective: This study was aimed to assess fatty liver disease and its correlation with glycemic
control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending Dessie Comprehensive Specialized
Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia.
Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 10/2021 to August
25/2021. A total of 101 type-2 diabetic patients were included in the study and the convenient
sampling technique was used. The data were collected via face-to-face interviews, and by doing
anthropometric and laboratory measurements. The fatty liver index was calculated to assess fatty
liver. Glycemic control was assessed based on glycated hemoglobin level. The data were entered
into Epidata version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 26. Correlation analysis was used to
assess the relationship between the fatty liver index and glycemic control. Binary logistic
regression analysis was used to determine the associated factors of fatty liver. Variables having a
p-value of <0.05 at multivariable binary logistic regression analysis were considered to be
statistically significant.
Results: The prevalence of fatty liver disease among type-2 Diabetes Mellitus patients was
58.4% (95% CI: 47.7%-67.1%). The magnitude of poor glycemic control among the study
participants was 60.4%. There was a significant positive correlation between the level of
glycated hemoglobin and fatty liver index (r=0.35, p=0.008). Insufficient physical exercise
(AOR=4.6; CI: 1.45-14.65) and poor glycemic control (AOR=4.36 CI: 1.31-14.5) were
significantly associated with fatty liver disease among Type-2 diabetic patients. Insulin (� Oral
hypoglycemic drug) users had an 80% reduced chance of having fatty liver than those who were
taking oral hypoglycemic drug-only (AOR= 0.2; CI: 0.058-0.73).
Conclusion: The magnitude of fatty liver among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was high. A
larger proportion of T2DM patients had poor glycemic control. Glycated hemoglobin was
positively correlated with fatty liver index. Insufficient physical exercise and poor glycemic
control were significantly associated with fatty liver disease, while the use of Insulin as a
medication reduces the chance of fatty liver. Therefore, improving glycemic control, sufficient
physical exercise, and incorporating insulin as treatment may reduce the risk of fatty liver in type
2 diabetic patients.
