Liver diseases like hepatitis, fatty liver and cirrhosis are increasingly being seen in young adults aged 23-35, especially those with Type 2 diabetes.
Every year, World Liver Day is observed on April 19 around the globe to raise awareness and promote liver health, as well as educate people about liver diseases, risk factors, and how to prevent them, according to the World Liver Day organisation.
According to experts, the growing number of liver-related complications in diabetic youth is a major cause for concern and requires timely intervention. There is a surge in cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver cirrhosis in younger adults, a shift from the older age group that traditionally battled these diseases. Doctors explain that diabetes is silently damaging the Liver, leading to scarring (fibrosis) and, eventually, irreversible cirrhosis if left unmanaged. Hence, early screening, lifestyle changes, and proper diabetes control to prevent long-term liver damage and improve the quality of life.
Dr Vibha Varma, consultant and head of liver transplant and hepato-viliary-pancreatic surgeon, Lilavati Hospital in Bandra said, “Obesity, diabetes, fatty liver, and high cholesterol are on the rise to the extent that it is becoming an epidemic as over 1/3rd of the global population is affected by them. Liver disease is no longer a disease of the elderly. Young, productive workforce, involved in economic growth are getting affected by liver disease. Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD) is the name given to fatty liver disease linked to these health problems. MASLD can lead to advanced liver disease (cirrhosis, scarring of the liver), and become a precursor for liver cancer if remains untreated. Unfortunately, in the early stages, this disease does not present with symptoms. However, it is preventable and reversible in the early stages. It is a matter of healthy lifestyle, healthy nutrition, and awareness. Some of the reasons attributed to this rise in liver disease in the young population are related to the lifestyle (sedentary, chair work, no physical activity, lack of adequate sleep), food habits (ultra-processed food, high in carbohydrates, quick fix diets), and addictions (alcohol intake). What you eat today decides your liver health in the future. Small achievable changes in diet and nutrition can reverse even years of liver damage in the early stage of the disease.
Dr Tushar Rane, consulting cardio-diabetes physician at Apollo Spectra in Chembur, said, “Youngsters aged 23-35 with Type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop liver-related complications. One of the major concerns is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which silently damages the liver over the years. If not treated in time, NAFLD can progress to liver cirrhosis, which is permanent and dangerous. 50 per cent of youngsters are known to have abnormal blood sugar levels and diabetes. There is around a 20 per cent surge in liver problems in youngsters with diabetes. In a month, 5 out of 10 patients with liver damage have diabetes and are advised treatment inclusive of medication, and lifestyle changes such as maintaining an optimum weight, eating a nutritious diet, and exercising daily. Early lifestyle intervention is the key to avoiding liver problems in those with diabetes.”
Dr Neeta Shah, diabetologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital in Ghatkopar West, highlighted, “Diabetes doesn’t just affect the pancreas but even the liver as well. Pancreas and liver are two wheels of a cycle reinforcing each other in development and progression of diabetes each wheel accelerating the other in the vicious circle. High blood glucose, poor diet, and sedentary habits cause fat to build up in the liver and pancreas, which leads to inflammation and scarring. Over time, this results in cirrhosis, a stage where the liver cannot heal itself. 30 per cent of youngsters aged 23-35 are struggling with abnormal blood sugar levels and diabetes. There is about a 15 per cent surge in liver problems in youngsters with pre-existing diabetes. In a month, 3 out of 10 patients with liver damage have diabetes. So, young diabetics must follow the treatment and management as suggested by the doctor.”
So, what steps can people take? Dr Vibha recommends, “A diet that has high fibre, low in sugar and saturated fats, rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil will support a healthy liver. If you are heavy around your waist, seeking healthy food habits along with lifestyle changes (physical activity, exercise) and losing even 5-10 per cent of body weight can cause a significant reduction in the grade of fatty liver and potentially reverse early changes of liver damage. Also, adopting healthy meals can cut down about 50 per cent of the risk of developing liver disease in the future. Silent liver diseases like fatty liver are associated with obesity, and ever-increasing incidence of diabetes, hence needs attention by adopting healthy lifestyle and food habits.”
“It is essential to spread awareness about mindful eating, healthy food for the liver, and screening in case you have diabetes, fatty liver, and obesity. If you feel you are suffering from any signs of liver disease (easy fatiguability, yellowish discolouration of eyes, or weight loss) act, seek help, and screen, you might be in a stage where simple measures could reverse the disease. You will also be able to prevent future distressing liver health issues, where the medications might not help and liver transplant (replacing bad liver with a new liver) becomes your only chance to get cured,” Dr Vibha concludes.
