Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and associated factors among type 2 diabetic patients in southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) among type 2 diabetic patients is completely ignored in developing regions like Africa paving the way for public health and economic burden in the region. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to evaluate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and associated
factors among type 2 diabetic patients in Southwestern Ethiopia attending Diabetic Clinic of Jimma University Specialized Hospital (JUSH).

Methods: Facility based cross-sectional study design was used. Anthropometry, fatty liver (using utrasonography), liver enzymes, and lipid profiles were measured among type 2 diabetic patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed using standard questionnaires.

Results: Ninety-six (96) type 2 diabetic patients were enrolled and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease prevalence was 73%. Of nonalcoholic fatty Liver disease documented patients, 35.4%, 31.3% and 6.3% exhibited mild, moderate and severe fatty liver diseases, respectively. Alanine aminotransferase (p ≤0.001), Triacyglycerol (p ≤0.001), total bilirubin (p ≤0.05), direct bilirubin (p ≤0.05) and diabetic duration (p ≤0.01) were significantly associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among type 2 diabetic patients. The Aspartate aminotransferase/ Alanine aminotransferase ratio among non alcoholic fatty liver disease patients was greater than one.

Conclusions: The magnitude of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is high among study groups and it needs urgent action by healthcare systems. Therefore, targeted treatment approach inclusive of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease should be designed.

Keywords: Africa, Ethiopia, Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Type 2 DM, Liver Enzymes, Lipid Profile