Did you know your liver is the largest internal organ in your body? It’s responsible for many functions, including:
- filters and removes harmful substances from the blood (toxins, drugs, alcohol)
- regulates blood sugar levels and stores excess glucose as glycogen until needed
- produces bile, a fluid which helps break down the fat in foods during the digestive process
- stores excess vitamins and minerals
- helps your immune system fight germs to prevent infections that could make you sick
- naturally produces cholesterol, which is essential for hormonal health
The liver plays a role in glycogen storage of excess glucose. Why is this important? An excess buildup of fat in your liver can result in increased blood sugar levels. When too much fat is stored in the liver, this begins to affect your liver function, especially if your blood sugar levels are high over a long period of time. This can increase your risk for developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and increasing the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. According to recent research, 70% of people living with type 2 diabetes have NAFLD.
How is NAFLD prevented?
Unfortunately, there are no current medications available to cure NAFLD. However, incorporating healthy lifestyle changes can help manage the condition and decrease the risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Recommendations to help reduce your risk of developing NAFLD include:
- weight loss
- healthier eating patterns
- lower blood pressure and total cholesterol levels
- incorporate more physical activity
- limit or avoid alcohol
If you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, your healthcare provider may already be recommending additional blood work to test the functions of your organs. It’s very important to be compliant with provider appointments to stay on top of your health.
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.