Lack of awareness and ethnic polarity is a major cause of metabolic associated fatty liver disease in high-risk diabetes population in South London.

Background

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) stands as the leading cause of chronic liver disease globally. Notably, individuals with metabolic risk factors, such as diabetes and obesity, exhibit a staggering prevalence of MAFLD, with estimates reaching up to 70%. However, despite its widespread occurrence, there's a noticeable gap in understanding and awareness about MAFLD among these high-risk groups.

Objectives

The main objective of this study was to assess the awareness and prevalence of MAFLD among diabetic patients who regularly receive secondary care focusing particularly on how multiethnic backgrounds and associated lifestyle preferences influence these health outcomes.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who regularly attend Lambeth Diabetes Intermediate Care Team clinics were invited to undergo MAFLD screening using FibroScan. Those who agreed to participate were provided with structured questionnaires on diet, physical activity, and MAFLD knowledge by a hepatologist. For each participant, anthropometric data, medical history, liver stiffness measurement, and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) were documented. Steatosis was identified with a CAP value of ⩾275 dB/m, and advanced fibrosis was flagged at values of ⩾8 kPa.

Results

The FibroScan data was valid in 96.4% (215), 53.5% (115/215) had steatosis and 26.2% (58/215) had liver fibrosis in this multiethnic high-risk group. Awareness of MAFLD was notably low at 30.9%. Alarmingly, 69% of patients diagnosed with liver fibrosis were unfamiliar with the condition. Additionally, understanding of MAFLD showed variation among different ethnic groups with highest levels were demonstrated in the Caucasian/White population (46%). Majority (96%) of these subjects were receiving specific lifestyle advice from healthcare professionals due to metabolic conditions and comorbidities. However, most patients preferred diets that were rich in carbohydrates (65.8%) and only 43% subjects performed moderate exercise daily highlighting lack of understanding regarding MAFLD and lifestyle management.

Conclusion

There's a pressing need for increased awareness of MAFLD, especially in multiethnic high-risk groups. Additionally, the development of cost-effective strategies to stratify risk is essential to address this growing health concern.

Ethnic differences and lack of awareness increase fatty liver disease risk in South London diabetics Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) or more commonly fatty liver disease is the leading cause of chronic liver disease globally, particularly affecting individuals with diabetes and obesity. This study focuses on patients with type 2 diabetes in South London who regularly receive secondary care, examining the awareness and prevalence of MAFLD, especially across different ethnic groups. Participants, all with Type 2 Diabetes, attended clinics run by the Diabetes Intermediate Care Team where they underwent MAFLD screening using Fibroscan. This tool measures liver stiffness (fibrosis) and fat levels. In addition to the scans, participants answered questions about their diet, physical activity, and knowledge of MAFLD. Key findings include a low overall awareness of MAFLD, with only about 30.9% of patients aware of the disease. Among those diagnosed with liver fibrosis, 69% were unfamiliar with the condition, indicating a significant awareness gap. Interestingly, awareness levels varied among ethnic groups, with Caucasian/white patients showing the highest awareness at 46%. Despite receiving lifestyle advice from health professionals, many participants preferred carbohydrate-rich diets and only a minority engaged in daily moderate exercise. This behaviour highlights a general lack of understanding about MAFLD and its management through lifestyle changes. The study concludes that there is a critical need to raise awareness about MAFLD among high-risk, multi-ethnic groups in South London. It also highlights the necessity for developing cost-effective strategies to better identify and manage this growing health concern.

Informations de copyright

© The Author(s), 2024.