Scientists have made a new discovery about how fat stored in the liver can affect our health, especially for those with type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a common disease that happens when the pancreas can’t make enough insulin or when the insulin it makes doesn’t work properly.
The new research was presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD).
The study found that even people with a normal body mass index (BMI) can have unhealthy levels of fat stored in their livers.
This can cause type 2 diabetes, and healthy liver fat levels might actually be harmful to people with a normal BMI.
Previously, scientists showed that an intensive weight loss program can help put type 2 diabetes into remission in people who are overweight.
They found that excess fat stored in the liver and pancreas drives the development of type 2 diabetes. Losing this fat is essential to achieving remission.
The new study, from Professor Roy Taylor and colleagues at Newcastle University, examined how levels of intra-organ fat changed after weight loss-induced remission.
The study used data from two groups of participants with different BMIs: one group had an average BMI of 35.1, which is in the obese range, and the other group had an average BMI of 24.3, which is in the normal range.
Both groups followed a weight management program designed to bring about remission of type 2 diabetes through 10-15% weight loss.
This involved consuming 800 calories daily to induce weight loss, followed by support in maintaining their new weight.
Scans were used to measure levels of fat in the liver and pancreas before and after weight loss.
The study found that levels of liver fat vary with weight and that the threshold for a healthy level of liver fat should take into account a person’s BMI.
At present, it is assumed that a liver fat level of less than 5.5% is healthy for everyone, regardless of their BMI.
However, this new study suggests that levels currently considered healthy can be harmful in lighter people.
The researchers say their results show that if someone has type 2 diabetes, they have more fat inside their body than they can cope with, even if they seem to be slim.
To prevent or manage type 2 diabetes, it is important to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
By doing so, we can help reduce the amount of fat stored in our liver and maintain our overall health and well-being.
How to reduce liver fat
Reducing liver fat is important to maintain overall health, especially for those with type 2 diabetes. Here are some ways to reduce liver fat:
Maintain a healthy weight: Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce the amount of fat stored in the liver.
Limit sugar and processed foods: Eating a diet high in sugar and processed foods can increase the amount of fat stored in the liver. Limiting these types of foods can help reduce liver fat.
Eat a balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce liver fat.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce liver fat, even without significant weight loss. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can lead to the development of fatty liver disease. Limiting alcohol consumption or avoiding it altogether can help reduce liver fat.
Manage underlying medical conditions: Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can contribute to the development of fatty liver disease. Managing these conditions can help reduce liver fat.
By following these steps, you can help reduce the amount of fat stored in your liver and maintain your overall health and well-being.
It is important to talk to your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine, especially if you have underlying medical conditions.
If you care about liver health, please read studies about dairy foods linked to liver cancer, and alternate-day fasting could benefit people with fatty liver disease,
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies that blueberries strongly benefit people with metabolic syndrome, and results showing common diabetes drugs that can spike heart attack risk.
The study was presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes.
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