Metabolic Disorders & Risks for Fatty Liver Disorder

Liver disorders are commonly associated with complications associated with alcoholism or even hepatitis. For some individuals, however, the complications associated with a liver disorder may be directly related to a metabolic disease.

Known as fatty liver, of a nonalcoholic origin, many individuals suffer from this liver complication and do not even realize they are at risk. While cirrhosis of the liver can be associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver, most individuals suffer from the complication in direct response to metabolic complications.

With elevated liver enzymes, fatty liver complications are often misdiagnosed or confused for another disorder or illness. While fatigue and some abdominal pain is quite common, most individuals who suffer from metabolic-induced fatty liver find they are not even aware the complication exists.

Metabolic disorders such as complications of cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, refeeding syndrome and even exposure to toxic substances, can all result in the development of fatty liver complications. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, testing into fatty liver should encompass a variety of studies, including ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin levels and even albumin. In many cases, the physician will test for hepatitis to rule it out as a possible cause and origin of the liver complications.

If you are diagnosed with fatty liver, of a nonalcoholic origin, the most prominent risk factor is going to be in the development of artherosclerotic heart disease. For this reason, your healthcare professional will want to manage this risk over all other health conditions, as a primary focus of medical care.

With proper diet and exercise, including management of a moderate weight, your liver enzyme levels can be managed effectively. If your complication is associated with diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol, these conditions must also be medically managed, usually with prescription medications.

Use of vitamin E and vitamin C, in 1,000 IU doses, may also improve the risks and liver enzymes associated with fatty liver disease. While fatty liver ultimately may result in the development of cirrhosis and liver failure, it many cases, with proper medical management, the patient can live a normal life expectancy.

As with any complication involving a liver disorder, it is important to seek medical attention early. When suffering from a liver complication, it is important to understand that even when alcohol or hepatitis are not a factor, liver complications must still be addressed early and directly. With proper medication management, control over diabetes, high cholesterol and even hypertension, the deterioration of the liver can be slowed, resulting in prolonged life expectancy.