Discover the Ultimate Solution for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease - Health

The Future of Treating Metabolic Dysfunction - Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Metabolic dysfunction - associated steatotic liver disease ( MASLD ) is a significant public health concern , affecting a large portion of the adult population globally , particularly those with Type 2 diabetes . The prevalence of MASLD has increased alongside the rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes epidemics.

 One in five patients with type 2 diabetes has undiagnosed MASLD with liver fibrosis , which is associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events and mortality . 

Screening for MASLD in High - Risk Populations

It is crucial to identify high - risk populations for MASLD screening , including individuals with type 2 diabetes , obesity , or other metabolic syndrome features . Screening can be done through various methods , such as assessing liver enzymes and imaging for steatosis . Calculating the fibrosis-4 score is an essential step in determining the risk of advanced liver fibrosis.

 Patients with a FIB-4 score greater than 1.3 should be referred to specialists for further evaluation . 

Combination Therapy for MASLD Treatment

Combination therapy involving glucagon - like peptide-1 agonist drugs , pioglitazone , and other liver - specific medications is the future of MASLD treatment . These medications have shown benefits in reducing liver fat and improving MASLD . Medications like SGLT2 inhibitors and tirzepatide also play a role in reducing liver fat , although histologic data on their effects are still pending.

 The focus is on addressing multiple cardiometabolic issues , such as liver fat , enzymes , MASH , dyslipidemia , glucose , and body weight . 

Management of MASLD and MASH

Given the prevalence of MASLD and MASLD , management of these conditions falls under the purview of primary care and endocrinology . Patients are categorized into low , intermediate , and high - risk groups for advanced liver disease . While low - risk patients may be managed by primary care , those at intermediate and high risk require a multidisciplinary approach involving hepatologists.

 The future of MASLD treatment lies in combining diabetes and anti - obesity medications with liver - specific drugs to address the complex nature of the disease . 