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 developingregions like Africa paving the way for public health and economicburden in the region. Therefore, the main objective of this researchwas to evaluate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and associatedfactors among type 2 diabetic patients in Southwestern Ethiopiaattending 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 patientswho fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Socio-demographic and clinicalcharacteristics were assessed using standard questionnaires.RESULTS: Ninety-six (96) type 2 diabetic patients were enrolledand non-alcoholic fatty liver disease prevalence was 73%. Of non-alcoholic 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) anddiabetic duration (p ≤0.01) were significantly associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among type 2 diabetic patients. TheAspartate aminotransferase/ Alanine aminotransferase ratioamong non alcoholic fatty liver disease patients was greater thanone.CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of non-alcoholic fatty liverdisease is high among study groups and it needs urgent action byhealthcare systems. Therefore, targeted treatment approachinclusive of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease should be designed.