Diabetic Patients Must Take Special Care of Their Liver: Prevention, Symptoms, and Ayurvedic Remedies
In today’s time, diabetes has become a common but serious disease that affects several organs of the body. One of the most sensitive organs impacted is the liver. Recent research has revealed a strong connection between diabetes and fatty liver. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is increasingly seen among diabetic patients. This article is especially prepared for people with diabetes so they can take timely steps to protect their liver.
1. Connection Between Diabetes and Fatty Liver
Diabetes is a condition where the body either does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to insulin.
As a result, blood glucose levels rise, and the excess glucose is converted into fat and stored in the liver.
This accumulated fat eventually leads to fatty liver disease.
Fat accumulation can damage liver cells and gradually lead to liver cirrhosis, a severe condition.
Hence, diabetic patients should take extra care of their liver.
2. What is Fatty Liver?
Fatty liver occurs when more than 5% fat accumulates in the liver. It is of two types:
(a) Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – Seen in those who don’t consume alcohol.
(b) Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) – Found in those who consume excess alcohol.
Diabetic patients primarily suffer from NAFLD.
3. Major Causes of Fatty Liver
Obesity or being overweight
Type-2 diabetes
High cholesterol and triglycerides
Insulin resistance
Excess consumption of fast food and processed food
Lack of physical activity
4. Symptoms of Fatty Liver
In most cases, fatty liver shows no clear symptoms initially. But in severe conditions, the following symptoms may appear:
Persistent fatigue and weakness
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Heaviness or pain in the abdomen
Swelling in the abdomen and legs
Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
Nausea and vomiting
White coating on the tongue
Weakness in muscles
5. Liver Cirrhosis: The Next Stage of Fatty Liver
If NAFLD is not treated in time, it may progress to liver fibrosis and then to liver cirrhosis.
This can eventually lead to liver failure or liver cancer.
6. Why Are Diabetic Patients at Higher Risk?
Continuous high blood sugar puts pressure on liver cells.
It increases fat storage in the liver.
Insulin resistance and abnormalities in VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoproteins) contribute to fat buildup.
Thus, diabetics are more prone to fatty liver disease.
7. Prevention Tips for Fatty Liver
Maintain a healthy weight – Obesity is the main cause of fatty liver.
Exercise at least 30 minutes daily – Activities like brisk walking, yoga, cycling, etc.
Avoid alcohol – Alcohol can severely damage liver health.
Avoid junk food – Cut down on processed, fried, and sugary foods.
Increase intake of fruits and green vegetables – Rich in fiber and antioxidants to protect the liver.
Control cholesterol and blood pressure – These increase fatty liver risk.
Avoid self-medication – Some medicines can harm the liver if taken without advice.
8. Ayurvedic Perspective on Fatty Liver
According to Ayurveda, fatty liver is linked to:
Weak digestive fire (Agni)
Impurities in Rasa Dhatu (plasma)
Increase in Medha Dhatu (fat tissue)
With the right herbs, diet, and lifestyle, fatty liver can be effectively managed.
9. Natural and Ayurvedic Remedies
Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia)
Take 20 ml of Giloy juice with lukewarm water on an empty stomach.
It has anti-diabetic and detoxifying properties.
Amla Juice (Indian Gooseberry)
Consume 10–20 ml after meals.
Nourishes the liver and controls blood sugar.
Aloe Vera Juice
Reduces liver fat and improves liver cell function.
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)
A powerful detoxifier that cleans the liver and reduces fat accumulation.
Garlic
Contains sulfur compounds that activate liver enzymes.
Take 2 cloves of raw garlic with warm water in the morning on an empty stomach.
10. How to Diagnose Fatty Liver?
Ultrasound – Most common test to detect fatty liver.
LFT (Liver Function Test) – Measures liver enzyme levels.
FibroScan – Assesses stiffness or fibrosis in the liver.
11. Conclusion
Diabetes and fatty liver are silent threats that gradually harm the body, and if left untreated, they can be life-threatening.
If you are diabetic, keeping your liver healthy should be a top priority.
A balanced diet, regular exercise, timely checkups, and support from Ayurveda can keep your liver functioning well and improve your overall health.
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