High sugar? Here’s how it can trigger fatty liver and cause long-term damage

Type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with high blood sugar, heart disease, and kidney problems, but the liver is often overlooked. This vital organ processes sugars, fats, and toxins, and when blood sugar remains high or sugar intake is excessive, it becomes overloaded. Over time, fat accumulates in liver cells, triggering inflammation and potentially leading to long-term damage. Conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are increasingly common in people with type 2 diabetes. Recognising the impact of sugar and diabetes on liver health is crucial for prevention, effective management, and maintaining overall metabolic wellbeing.

The impact of high sugar on liver health: NAFLD, fibrosis, and cirrhosis

Excessive consumption of dietary sugars, particularly fructose, plays a significant role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Unlike glucose, fructose is metabolised almost entirely by the liver, where it is converted into fat through a process called lipogenesis. Over time, this fat accumulates in liver cells, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress, which can impair normal liver function. If left unchecked, this can progress to more severe liver conditions, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis.The study The Impact and Burden of Dietary Sugars on the Liver emphasises the link between high sugar intake and liver damage, particularly in populations consuming large amounts of sugary drinks and processed foods. High sugar consumption also worsens insulin resistance, a key factor in type 2 diabetes, further compounding liver injury. Reducing dietary sugar, particularly added and free sugars, is therefore a crucial step in protecting liver health, preventing metabolic complications, and improving long-term wellbeing.

Side effects of excessive blood sugar on liver

1. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Excess fat accumulates in the liver, not caused by alcohol. Often silent in early stages, NAFLD can reduce liver efficiency, affect metabolism, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.2. Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): A more severe form of NAFLD, where fat triggers inflammation, damaging liver cells. NASH may cause liver enlargement, mild discomfort, and can progress silently to scarring or cirrhosis if not managed.3. Fibrosis and cirrhosis: Chronic inflammation from fat and sugar-induced liver stress can lead to scarring (fibrosis). Over time, this may progress to cirrhosis, severely impairing liver function, reducing detoxification ability, and increasing susceptibility to infections.4. Increased risk of liver cancer: Persistent liver inflammation and cirrhosis raise the likelihood of hepatocellular carcinoma. People with type 2 diabetes and long-term NAFLD have a higher risk of developing liver cancer compared with the general population.Early stages often show no symptoms, but possible signs include:

In the early stages of liver damage, the condition is often reversible. Reducing dietary sugar, achieving gradual weight loss, and engaging in regular exercise can significantly lower fat accumulation and inflammation in the liver. These lifestyle changes improve insulin sensitivity, support metabolic health, and can prevent progression to more severe disease. The liver has a remarkable capacity to regenerate, repairing damaged cells and restoring normal function if the injury has not advanced.However, once scarring (fibrosis) or severe cirrhosis develops, reversing the damage becomes much more difficult. At this stage, medical intervention may focus on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and preventing complications such as liver failure or cancer. The study The Impact and Burden of Dietary Sugars on the Liver highlights that early intervention, including sugar reduction and lifestyle modification, is crucial to preventing long-term liver damage and improving overall liver health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine or treatment.Also read | Oesophageal cancer is on the rise: 5 early symptoms you must know