Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in Lean Population with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Diabetes in Lean NAFLD Patients
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Abstract
Background: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is commonly linked to obesity, but lean individuals are also susceptible, posing a unique metabolic challenge. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in lean NAFLD is not well understood.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of DM in lean individuals with NAFLD and identify associated clinical and metabolic factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2022 at the National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 188 lean NAFLD patients (BMI < 25 kg/m²) were recruited. Data on demographic characteristics, dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and metabolic parameters (e.g., fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile) were collected. Diagnosis of diabetes was confirmed based on fasting glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL or HbA1c ≥ 6.5%. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0.
Results: The prevalence of diabetes was 26.6% (n=50). Significant associations were found between diabetes and male gender (p≤0.001), irregular eating habits (p=0.002), increased TLC (p≤0.001), and elevated triglycerides (p=0.021) and LDL levels (p≤0.001).
Conclusion: The study reveals a substantial prevalence of diabetes in lean NAFLD patients, emphasizing the need for comprehensive metabolic screening in this group.
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