NASH: Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis  

Diabetes and fatty liver disease go hand in hand. Diabetics are more likely to develop severe forms of fatty liver disease (NASH and Cirrhosis). It is estimated that 75% of the diabetic population have fatty liver disease and 50% have NASH. So, what is NASH? With NASH, the fatty depositions in the liver cause swelling and inflammation which leads to scarring. The liver can then no longer function appropriately, and decline ensues. Hard scar tissue can eventually replace healthy liver tissue. This can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular cancer. Fatty liver = no liver inflammation. NASH = liver inflammation and damage. Half of deaths in patients with NASH are due to cardiovascular disease and malignancy.