The influence of insulin resistance in the occurence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes

Background First degree relatives (FDR) of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) predisposes individuals to have earlier metabolic and vascular disorders independent of insulin resistance (IR) such as thicker carotid intima media thickness than that of non-FDR. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most commonly found chronic liver disease in T2DM which is IR dependent. Studies about NAFLD in FDR of T2DM populations are very limited and inconclusive. It is unclear whether the occurrence of NAFLD in FDR of T2DM is IR dependent or due to genetic vulnerability. Aims The aim of this study is to determine the association between NAFLD and FDR of T2DM. Method and materials A total of 118 young adults (19–39 years old) with normal glucose tolerance (59 FDR of T2DM and age-sex matched 59 non-FDR subjects) were included in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurement and routine laboratory analysis (fasting blood glucose/FBG, HbA1c, lipid profile, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST)) were examined. Fatty liver was diagnosed by ultrasonography (US) using standard criteria. Results Twenty-six (22,03%) subjects with NAFLD were detected by ultrasound with similar proportion for each group. Low HDL-C level and metabolic syndrome were found higher in FDR group (p = 0.004, OR 3.81, CI95 = 1.47–9,91; p = 0.023, OR 4.28, CI95 = 1.13–16.23). Based on logistic regression analysis, central obesity and obesity had statistically significant influence towards NAFLD. Conclusion The occurrence of NAFLD in FDR of T2DM was influenced by IR (central obesity and obesity).