Swedish researchers who examined 212 patients between 1988 and 1993 found that 78 percent of the volunteers developed diabetes or prediabetes, a condition that often leads to type 2 diabetes. They also linked NFLD (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), which is sometimes described as a minor condition, to risk of developing end-stage liver disease.
The researchers therefore recommend that lifestyle modifications in all patients with NAFLD should be looked into. Not only would such action reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, intense dietary intervention may also improve liver histology in NFLD.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Treatment options for liver disease
The treatment of liver disease varies, depending on the type of disease. In some cases, treatment involves minimizing or treating complications that may arise due to liver disease.
Liver diseases may be treated with lifestyle changes, such as:
1) Avoiding alcohol or drinking in moderation. Alcohol can damage the liver, so avoiding or minimizing consumption is very important.
2) Avoiding medications that may damage the liver, such as acetaminophen.
3) Eating a well-balanced diet. Liver disease can sometimes impact the body's ability to absorb nutrients so patients must take special care to eat foods high in vitamins and minerals.
4) Following special diets. Patients with ascites and edema, two common complications of liver disease, may follow a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid buildup. Patients with Wilson's disease may be required to avoid foods that are high in copper, such as liver, shellfish, mushrooms and nuts.
5) Exercising regularly. This can help patients maintain a healthy weight.
Liver diseases may also be treated with medications, including:
6) Corticosteroids. A group of anti-inflammatory drugs used to provide relief for inflamed areas of the body by reducing swelling, redness, itching and allergic reactions. They are used to treat autoimmune hepatitis and Budd Chiari syndrome.
7) Interferon. Naturally produced proteins in the immune response that attack viruses and other foreign agents. Interferon is used to treat viral hepatitis.
8) Beta blockers. Medication to treat high blood pressure. A common complication of liver disease is portal hypertension (increased blood pressure in the portal vein).
9) Chelating agent. Medication that binds to copper and helps eliminate it from the body. It is used to treat Wilson's disease.
10) Chemotherapy. This involves using powerful medications to kill cancer cells. Liver cancer is treated with chemotherapy.
Liver diseases may be treated with lifestyle changes, such as:
1) Avoiding alcohol or drinking in moderation. Alcohol can damage the liver, so avoiding or minimizing consumption is very important.
2) Avoiding medications that may damage the liver, such as acetaminophen.
3) Eating a well-balanced diet. Liver disease can sometimes impact the body's ability to absorb nutrients so patients must take special care to eat foods high in vitamins and minerals.
4) Following special diets. Patients with ascites and edema, two common complications of liver disease, may follow a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid buildup. Patients with Wilson's disease may be required to avoid foods that are high in copper, such as liver, shellfish, mushrooms and nuts.
5) Exercising regularly. This can help patients maintain a healthy weight.
Liver diseases may also be treated with medications, including:
6) Corticosteroids. A group of anti-inflammatory drugs used to provide relief for inflamed areas of the body by reducing swelling, redness, itching and allergic reactions. They are used to treat autoimmune hepatitis and Budd Chiari syndrome.
7) Interferon. Naturally produced proteins in the immune response that attack viruses and other foreign agents. Interferon is used to treat viral hepatitis.
8) Beta blockers. Medication to treat high blood pressure. A common complication of liver disease is portal hypertension (increased blood pressure in the portal vein).
9) Chelating agent. Medication that binds to copper and helps eliminate it from the body. It is used to treat Wilson's disease.
10) Chemotherapy. This involves using powerful medications to kill cancer cells. Liver cancer is treated with chemotherapy.
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