Type 2 Diabetes: Fatty Liver May Contribute To High Blood Sugar-Here's How

Type 2 diabetes can be managed by following a healthy lifestyle

Most of the times, diabetes and type 2 diabetes is considered to be a problem of high blood sugar levels and insulin. However, there are other major risk factors that either increase risk of diabetes or worsen it. Obesity, for instance, increases insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Researchers at the University of Geneva have highlighted another mechanism - liver-which appears to have the ability to produce sufficient amount of glucose outside of any hormonal signal. In people with fatty liver, overproduction of glucose could lead to type 2 diabetes, irrespective of hormonal changes.

Results of the study are published in Journal of Biological Chemistry. They essentially highlight a new re-reading origin of diabetes in overweight patients.

Type 2 diabetes: How diabetes is more than just insulin

Blood sugar levels are primarily regulated by insulin and glucagon. While insulin lowers blood glucose levels, glucagon increases it. Liver produces and redistributes glucose under the influence of insulin and glucagon. People who are overweight and have fatty liver are at risk of developing insulin resistance - a precursor of type 2 diabetes - and accumulation of fat in liver.

Findings of the study suggest that apart from insulin resistance, fatty liver is also a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

Also read: Reasons Why Your Blood Sugar Levels Are High In The Morning; Tips To Control

Type 2 diabetes management

As mentioned above, people with type 2 diabetes need to maintain a healthy weight in order to regulate blood sugar levels and control diabetes. Diet and exercise (including strength training) play a major role in reversing and preventing type 2 diabetes.

1. Weight loss

Losing even 5 to 10 per cent of body weight can make a difference in blood sugar levels. MayoClinic mentions that type 2 diabetics need to maintain 7% of the lost weight to keep diabetes under control. For instance, someone who weighs 82 kgs need to lose around 6 kgs to have an impact on their blood sugar levels.

Weight loss can help in managing type 2 diabetes
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2. Healthy diet

There are numerous articles doing the round on internet regarding type 2 diabetes diet. But the one that you really need to follow is that of portion control and restricting yourself to home-cooked food for blood sugar control. If you are overweight, it is obvious to cut down on your calorie intake, but not massively. Make it a slow and gradual process and do not starve yourself. Cut down intake of refined carbs (in junk food, processed and packaged food, pasta, sugary foods and deep-fried food) as they rapidly increase blood sugar levels. Increase intake of fruits, vegetables, pulses and fibre-rich foods.

Also read: Benefits Of Amaranth And How You Can Include It In Your Diet; Other Low GI Foods For Blood Sugar Control

3. Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels

Doing this can enable you to be on point in terms of your blood sugar and diabetes control. It can help you assess your progress and make reversing type 2 diabetes easier.

4. Quit smoking and alcohol

The two can worse type 2 diabetes complications and hamper your overall health in more ways than one.

Quit smoking and alcohol intake to control type 2 diabetes
Photo Credit: iStock

5. Be physically active and exercise regularly

Regular exercise can ensure normal blood sugar levels. Also include strength training in your routine as it helps in increasing your body's ability to store glucose and enabling your body to regulate blood sugar levels.

Also read: Can Diabetics Eat Fruits? Know Tips To Choose The Right Fruits

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.