The last 20 years have seen a big leap in the number of cases of type 2 diabetes. A study revealed that kids who suffered from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) had more chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.  Among 892 children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), about 6.6 % of them acquired Type 2 diabetes. At the time of initial assessment, these participants were enrolled in the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network, which pictures a 3% annual increase in the incidences over the next four yearsNAFLD was linked with insulin resistance, which is one of the critical features of type 2 diabetes and increases the danger of acquiring the disease. According to experts, at the end of the trial, one out of every six youngsters had Type 2 diabetes, which is a highly concerning the situation. Specific factors that raise the incidence of type 2 diabetes in children with NAFLD were also discovered by the researchers. 

The findings cautioned the gastroenterologists dealing with pediatric patients suffering from NAFLD, making them more vigilant, constantly monitoring the patients and educating them and their parents to follow a healthy lifestyle and avoid getting type 2 diabetes. The study was published in the journal of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. (Hindustan Times, Jun 14, 2022)