The Hidden Link Between Liver Disease and Diabetes

The Hidden Link Between Fatty Liver and Diabetes

By Professor Aftab Ala –

Consultant Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist, MB BS, MD, PhD, FRCP

Fatty Liver and Diabetes: A Hidden but Serious Link

When you think about diabetes, you probably think about blood sugar, diet, or insulin. But did you know that diabetes can also put your liver at serious risk?

It’s a link that often gets overlooked, even though it affects millions of people in the UK.

Fatty Liver Disease Is More Common Than You Think

You may have heard of fatty liver disease but not realised how common (or how dangerous) it really is.

In the UK, about 1 in 3 adults are thought to have some form of it. And if you have type 2 diabetes, the risk is even higher.

Up to 70% of people with type 2 diabetes have fatty liver disease — many without knowing it.

This condition is called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It happens when fat builds up inside the liver, often due to being overweight, having high cholesterol, or insulin resistance — all things that also increase the risk of diabetes.

The Problem? It’s Silent

Here’s the concerning part: fatty liver disease usually has no symptoms at all in the early stages. You can feel completely fine while your liver is slowly becoming damaged.

Over time, this silent damage can lead to:

• Inflammation of the liver

• Scarring (called fibrosis)

• Cirrhosis

• Liver failure or cancer

The good news? If caught early, fatty liver disease can often be reversed.

Why People With Diabetes Are at Higher Risk

The liver and the pancreas work closely together to regulate blood sugar and fat, so when the body becomes resistant to insulin — like in type 2 diabetes — the liver is one of the first organs to feel the effects.

You’re more likely to store fat in the liver, and more likely to have inflammation and long-term damage.

If you have fatty liver and diabetes, checking your liver should be just as important as checking your blood pressure or cholesterol.

Why Standard Tests Aren’t Enough

Many people assume that a routine liver blood test or ultrasound will show if something’s wrong. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

• Liver blood tests can be normal even when the liver is unhealthy

• Ultrasounds can spot fat but don’t show how much damage has already occurred.

That’s why we now offer a better way to check your liver health — especially if you’re at higher risk.

When early symptoms do appear, they can be vague and easily mistaken for something else, such as:

• Feeling generally unwell or unusually tired (even after resting)
• Pain or discomfort under the ribs on your right side
• Small spider-like veins on the skin above the waist (spider angiomas)
• Red, blotchy palms
• Trouble sleeping

What Is a Liver Health Scan (Fibroscan)?

At LycaHealth Orpington, we offer the only private certified NICE & FDA approved FibroScan® machine in Kent, which is recognised by all major insurers.

It works similarly to an ultrasound but gives extra information about:

• How much fat is in your liver

• How stiff your liver is (a sign of scarring or fibrosis)

The scan only takes about 10 minutes, and you get your results on the same day. It’s completely non-invasive — no needles, no hospital stay, no downtime.

Who Should Book a Liver Scan?

You should consider a liver scan if:

• You have type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes

• Your BMI is high (overweight or obese)

• You have high cholesterol or high blood pressure

• You drink alcohol regularly (even within guidelines)

• You’re taking weight-loss medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro

• You simply want peace of mind about your health

It’s a smart idea to check your liver health before problems develop — not after.

Why This Matters in Kent

In Kent, liver disease is a growing problem:

• Highest rate of premature deaths from alcoholic liver disease in the UK

• Second highest for liver disease deaths overall

• Hospital admissions for liver problems are rising fast across the South East

This isn’t just a personal health issue — it’s a regional health crisis. That’s why we’re proud to offer fast, local access to Fibroscan liver scans at LycaHealth Orpington.

What People Often Learn from a Liver Scan

Many people come to us feeling generally healthy,  or managing long-term conditions like fatty liver and diabetes, and are surprised by what the scan reveals.

In some cases, the scan shows early signs of fatty liver or mild stiffness — which can often be improved with changes in diet, weight, or medication.

In other cases, it provides peace of mind, confirming that the liver is healthy and there’s no need for concern.

Either way, the scan helps people make informed decisions about their health before symptoms appear.

What Happens If the Scan Shows a Problem?

If your results show fat or stiffness in your liver, don’t panic. Many cases can be improved or even reversed with the right care.

We’ll give you a detailed report and next steps — whether that’s advice on lifestyle changes or further liver-health investigations. We also work with GPs and insurance providers if follow-up care is needed.

Take Charge of Your Liver Health

Your liver works hard every single day to keep your body healthy. But it doesn’t always show warning signs when something’s wrong.

If you have fatty liver and diabetes, or other risk factors, a simple liver health scan could give you peace of mind or help you take early action.

By Professor Aftab Ala –

Consultant Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist, MB BS, MD, PhD, FRCP

Available Now at LycaHealth Orpington

• Private liver health scan using Fibroscan technology
• Fast, non-invasive, same-day results
• Suitable for self-pay or insured patients

Book your scan with Professor Aftab here (self-referrals welcome): Book Now