Liver Health and Diabetes Insights

Aug 22, 2024

Lecture Notes on Liver Health and Diabetes

Key Statistics and Facts

  • Weight Loss and Diabetes: 80% chance of reversing diabetes if a person loses weight and becomes underweight.
  • Fatty Liver Prevalence in India: 1 in 3 Indians has fatty liver; in Delhi, it could be 1 in 2 due to reduced physical activity.
  • Diabetes Prevalence: 77 million Indians over age 18 have type 2 diabetes.

Liver Health and Diet

  • Fat Accumulation:
    • Fat in the liver should be less than 5%.
    • If a 1500 gm liver has more than 5% fat (i.e., over 150 gm), it is considered fatty liver.
    • Fatty liver can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
  • Alcohol Consumption:
    • WHO states no form or amount of alcohol is acceptable.
    • Alcohol is absorbed from the stomach and affects the liver quickly.
  • Paracetamol and Liver Damage:
    • Excessive paracetamol can damage the liver, a leading cause of liver failure in the US and London.

Fatty Liver and Its Implications

  • Conversion from Sugar to Fat:
    • Excess calories convert into fat in the liver.
  • Signs of Fatty Liver:
    • Often silent; individuals may not realize until significant damage occurs.
  • Journey of Fatty Liver to Diabetes:
    • Fat in the liver leads to increased insulin demand; eventually, the pancreas becomes exhausted, causing diabetes.

Importance of Lifestyle Choices

  • Exercise Impact:
    • Exercise releases myokines, which help regenerate the liver and other organs.
    • Sedentary lifestyles contribute to obesity and liver disease.
  • Dietary Recommendations:
    • Emphasis on low glycemic foods such as millets (e.g., Jowar, Bajra, Ragi).
    • Importance of adequate sleep (7 hours) to prevent obesity.
    • Portion control: Start with a dessert plate and keep half your stomach empty.

Health Education and Family Involvement

  • Role of Mothers:
    • Mothers should educate their children about healthy eating habits early on.
  • Family Health as a Priority:
    • Engage children in cooking and make health discussions a regular part of family life.

Hepatitis Awareness

  • Types of Hepatitis:
    • Hepatitis A (children): Food and waterborne.
    • Hepatitis B & C: Bloodborne, with vaccination recommended for newborns.
  • Preventative Measures:
    • Vaccination for newborns is crucial in preventing transmission.

Conclusion and Reflections

  • Mindset Change:
    • Prevention and awareness are key; fatty liver is a precursor to many health issues.
  • Final Thoughts:
    • Focus on lifestyle changes over medication; educate and empower families to take charge of their health.