Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, formerly known as NAFLD, represents a spectrum of liver disorders attributed to excessive fat accumulation in the liver. Such accumulation in the liver eventually develops into hepatitis, and if this is left unaddressed, it leads to serious problems of the liver over time.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, formerly known as NAFLD, represents a spectrum of liver disorders attributed to excessive fat accumulation in the liver. Such accumulation in the liver eventually develops into hepatitis, and if this is left unaddressed, it leads to serious problems of the liver over time.
MASLD is one of the most common chronic liver diseases resulting from the increase in obesity and Type 2 diabetes amongst individuals globally. It now afflicts approximately 30% of the global population. Obesity and diabetes are two major contributors, and this requires urgent early diagnosis and intervention before complications arise.
Our team of professional diabetologists/endocrinologists at Marengo Asia Hospitals cares for people with a risk factor for MASLD and those diagnosed with the disease. By addressing the root cause, our team provides a comprehensive treatment plan that focuses on lifestyle changes, medical management, and follow-up support for maintaining good liver health as well as general wellness of the patients.
MASLD can cause severe complications, especially if it progresses to a more serious state, known as MASH, the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis. MASH is characterized by liver inflammation and damage, which can lead to more serious health complications such as:
MASLD is more than just liver disease and presents an enormous additional risk for other fatal diseases, which are:
Early diagnosis and intervention will help minimize these complications. Lifestyle measures like weight reduction, dietary intervention, and increased exercise may greatly reduce liver fat and may improve metabolic well-being. Medical treatment would still be necessary to control specific risk factors or complications.
Meeting and consulting with experts like diabetologists/ endocrinologists will help individuals suffering from MASLD develop their specific care plans to manage the condition well and prevent it from growing further. A committed and experienced team of endocrinologists/diabetologists at Marengo Asia Hospitals is uniquely equipped to provide reliable and comprehensive care for MASLD.
MASLD is strongly associated with metabolic disorders such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Diabetologists/endocrinologists play a vital role in the diagnosis and management of MASLD using advanced tests that evaluate liver health, metabolic function, and associated risk factors.
Blood tests provide valuable information on the state of the liver and metabolic health. Some of the main tests include:
Imaging studies identify fat, inflammation and fibrosis of the liver. These non-invasive tools are very important to assess the extent of MASLD:
To get an overall view of metabolic health and factors contributing to MASLD, diabetologists and endocrinologists may advise the following as well:
A liver biopsy will be advised where imaging and blood studies are inconclusive or if any other liver disorder is suspected. This involves sampling a small bit of tissue so that the possibility of inflammation or fibrosis can be viewed using a microscope.
MASLD is a complex medical condition, which necessarily requires a multidisciplinary treatment approach. At Marengo Asia Hospitals, we provide personalized evidence-based care to manage every stage of MASLD with attention to sustainable weight loss and associated medical conditions like diabetes mellitus and high cholesterol to prevent complications, such as liver cirrhosis.
Our comprehensive treatment plan includes:
Lifestyle changes are the bedrock of managing MASLD. Our experts guide people to sustainable habits to improve the state of their liver health:
In patients who need more than just lifestyle modification, medications are helpful in the treatment of MASLD and its complications:
Bariatric surgery is often an effective option for patients who suffer from severe obesity and cannot achieve a significant loss of weight with the help of lifestyle and medication. If done before the development of cirrhosis, this surgical intervention can reverse MASLD.
Our diabetologists at Marengo Asia Hospitals coordinate with bariatric surgeons who determine the need for surgery and are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
No, MASLD is not alcohol-induced. It develops independently of alcohol use and was previously termed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to indicate that distinction. Alcohol can exacerbate the condition by speeding up the process of cirrhosis. Individuals diagnosed with MASLD are highly discouraged from drinking alcohol to prevent further liver damage.
Although it may not be feasible to prevent risk factors such as obesity or Type 2 diabetes, early diagnosis, and lifestyle interventions can significantly reduce the risk of MASLD. People with metabolic risk factors like diabetes or hypercholesterolemia must be screened through blood and imaging tests. The earlier MASLD is detected, the easier it will be to introduce healthier eating habits, an active lifestyle, and even minimal weight loss to avoid MASLD or slow its progression.
MASLD often presents asymptomatic in its early stages, meaning it progresses silently. Symptoms only occur when the condition progresses to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), where the damage to the liver becomes severe. Symptoms of severe liver damage include upper right abdominal pain, intense fatigue, loss of appetite, swelling of the abdomen, yellowing of the skin and eyes, jaundice, and unexplained weight loss. If you have these symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away.
MASLD results from a metabolic impairment that leads to inefficient energy production within the body. Major determinants include dyslipidemia (elevated blood fats, such as cholesterol), obesity (abdominal obesity particularly), insulin resistance (cells failing to respond well to insulin), and Type 2 diabetes. All these can result in a collection of excess fat in the liver, with the risk of inflammation and eventually scarring of the liver in the long run.
Marengo Asia Hospitals offers patient-centred and a multidisciplinary approach to MASLD management. The team of highly skilled diabetologists tailors their efforts to combine the best lifestyle modification, medication, and advanced intervention for each patient. The experts ensure that both diabetes and obesity are taken into account and are treated properly.