Hepatic fibrosis in non-obese diabetics: myth or reality?

Diabetes is a major risk factor for NAFLD and can even worsen disease progression. Although most subjects with NAFLD and NASH are obese, people with a BMI < 30 kg/m2 can present with true NAFLD, known as "lean NAFLD". However, this entity has not been well studied, and data on the severity of liver damage in this subgroup remain debated. Through a review of the literature and local experience, the aims of this book are:- assess the severity of hepatic fibrosis in non-obese diabetics, using liver fibroscan- identify the factors associated with significant hepatic fibrosis in non-obese diabetics, in order to rationalize its screening via liver fibroscan in this population- study the frequency and risk factors of hepatic steatosis in non-obese diabetics, and its influence on fibroscan values.Significant fibrosis assessed by fibroscan is found in almost 30% of non-obese diabetics. Hepatic steatosis or hypercholesterolemia indicates that fibroscan should be performed in this population.