Published online Jan 7, 2023. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i1.126
Peer-review started: September 20, 2022
First decision: November 26, 2022
Revised: November 26, 2022
Accepted: December 13, 2022
Article in press: December 13, 2022
Published online: January 7, 2023
Processing time: 105 Days and 10.1 Hours
The metabolic syndrome as a consequence of the obesity pandemic resulted in a substantial increase in the prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty live disease (MAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Because of the similarity in pathobiology shared between T2DM and MAFLD, both disorders coexist in many patients and may potentiate the disease-related outcomes with rapid progression and increased complications of the individual diseases. In fact, awareness about this coexistence and the risk of complications are often overlooked by both hepatologists and diabetologists. Management of these individual disorders in a patient should be addressed wholistically using an appropriate multidisciplinary team approach involving both the specialists and, when necessary, liaising with dieticians and surgeons. This comprehensive review is to compile the current evidence from a diabetologist's perspective on MAFLD and T2DM and to suggest optimal management strategies.
Core Tip: The prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty live disease (MAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased exponentially as a consequence of the obesity pandemic across the globe. The pathobiology of T2DM and MAFLD are similar because both these disorders occur as a consequence of metabolic syndrome, and often coexist in many patients potentiating adverse outcomes and progression of individual diseases. However, the awareness about this coexistence is still inadequate even among hepatologists and diabetologists. A multidisciplinary team approach involving both the specialists is crucial in the optimal and wholistic management of both the disorders which is the theme of this comprehensive review.