Diabetes is not just limited to increased sugar; it also affects the health of the liver. The liver works to store glucose in the body, clean the blood and control metabolism.

Often people associate diabetes only with increased sugar and insulin problems. Most of the attention is given to heart disease, kidney failure or poor eyesight. But people ignore the health of the liver. Whereas the liver is a very important part of the body. It stores energy obtained from food, cleans the blood and performs many important functions.

According to Dr. Pawan Hanchanale (Liver Specialist, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune), if diabetes is not controlled properly, it has a direct effect on the liver. This is the reason why about 70 percent of diabetes patients have the problem of fatty liver. In this, fat gets accumulated in the liver, even though the person does not drink alcohol.

Initially, there are no symptoms of fatty liver. But if left untreated, it can turn into a serious disease, such as liver inflammation, liver damage and eventually, liver cancer.

How does diabetes damage the liver?

According to Dr. Pawan Hanchanale, in diabetes the body is unable to use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. Due to this, more glucose starts being produced in the liver and fat also starts accumulating. When fat and inflammation increases in the liver, the effect of medicines also reduces and it becomes difficult to control the disease.

Why is testing necessary?

Liver problems are often detected only when the disease has progressed. Therefore, diabetes patients should get regular tests done such as liver function tests, ultrasound and 

if needed, the doctor may also order a fibroscan or MRI, especially if there is excess weight or abnormality in liver tests.

Easy ways to save your liver

• Keep your weight under control.
• Take a healthy diet – Avoid eating too much oily and sweet food.
• Exercise daily.
• Drink less alcohol.
• Keep checking cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Do not take herbal medicines or supplements without consulting a doctor.

Dr. Hanchanale said, "The liver not only digests food, it also controls blood sugar and hormones. Therefore, diabetes patients should pay special attention to liver care."