High metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease prevalence in type 2 diabetes: Urgent need for integrated screening and lifestyle intervention.

Abstract

This letter discusses the recent study by Mukherjee et al, which identifies a significant prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) among newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Bihar, India, and underscores the pressing need for integrated MASLD management within T2DM care. With 72.3% of the study cohort affected by MASLD, implementing routine liver function tests and ultrasound screenings is recommended as a standard practice in diabetes care, especially in regions with high prevalence rates. The study also advocates for dietary and lifestyle modifications, particularly the reduction of saturated fats, to slow MASLD progression. Patient education on monitoring body mass index and waist circumference, coupled with the integration of these metrics into digital health records, could enhance patient involvement and support proactive health management. Moreover, the letter emphasizes the advantages of developing a region-specific MASLD risk model that incorporates local dietary patterns and socioeconomic factors. Continued research into genetic and environmental determinants of MASLD remains essential for advancing our understanding of its etiology and informing targeted public health strategies.