When someone is diagnosed with both pre-diabetes and fatty liver, it usually points to a common underlying issue — insulin resistance. This means that although your body is producing insulin, your cells are not responding to it effectively. “As a result, blood sugar levels rise and excess fat starts depositing in the liver, making the condition worse. Think of it like having the right key for a lock, but the key doesn’t work because the lock is jammed,” described Dr Manisha Arora, director, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.
Pre-diabetes is a condition where the blood sugar levels are higher than normal but are not in the type 2 diabetic range. Fatty liver or MASLD is a condition where an excessive amount of fat builds up in the liver.
Dr Arora said that both pre-diabetes and fatty liver share the same risk factors, such as being overweight (especially belly fat), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, a sedentary lifestyle, and a diet rich in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats. “These create a vicious cycle: fatty liver makes it harder to control blood sugar, and pre-diabetes increases the risk of fat buildup in the liver,” said Dr Arora.
Do you also have fatty liver? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
The good news is that both conditions can be improved with lifestyle changes.
Weight loss is the most effective step; losing even 5–10 per cent of your body weight can significantly reduce liver fat and improve insulin resistance. “A diet rich in whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats (like nuts, seeds, and olive oil) is recommended, while foods high in added sugars, refined carbs, and sugary drinks should be avoided,” said Dr Arora.
Regular physical activity and limiting alcohol intake are equally important. “With consistent efforts, you can often reverse fatty liver and reduce the risk of progressing from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes,” said Dr Arora.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
