Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Diabetes: Part II: Treatment

Diabetes Metab J. 2019 Apr;43(2):127-143. doi: 10.4093/dmj.2019.0034.

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and diabetes are common metabolic disorders that are often comorbid conditions. Among many proposed treatments, weight reduction is the only approved option for NAFLD to date. However, it is not easy to maintain weight loss by lifestyle modification alone; pharmacological treatments are helpful in this regard. Although many drugs have been investigated, pioglitazone could be a first-line therapy in patients with NAFLD and diabetes. Many more drugs are currently being developed and investigated, and it is likely that combination strategies will be used for future treatment of NAFLD and diabetes. Attention should be paid to the management of NAFLD and diabetes and efforts should be made to intervene early and individualize treatment of NAFLD in patients with diabetes.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Fatty liver; Liver diseases; Metabolic diseases; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; Therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Obesity Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bariatric Surgery
  • Comorbidity
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / epidemiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / therapy*
  • Diet
  • Exercise / physiology
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Life Style
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / epidemiology*
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / therapy*
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Anti-Obesity Agents
  • Hypoglycemic Agents