Diabetes: How does it affect my liver?

Diabetes can increase your risk of some types of liver disease. For example, poorly controlled blood sugar increases your risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can lead to scarring of the liver (nonalcoholic cirrhosis). Other medical conditions related to diabetes — such as high cholesterol and obesity — also increase the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, some medications used to treat these related conditions, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, may cause liver damage.

If you have diabetes, your best defense against liver disease is:

• Tight control of blood sugar levels
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Reducing high cholesterol
• Avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol

Your doctor may also recommend regular testing of your liver function if you take medications that could potentially affect your liver. If you have diabetes and are concerned about your risk of liver disease, talk to your doctor.