EVALUATION OF RISK FACTORS FOR NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE AMONG CHINESE ATHLETES WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Chinese athletes diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This study included 200 Chinese athletes with T2DM, observed from January 2020 to May 2021. The cohort was divided into two groups: 100 athletes with NAFLD and 100 without the disease. Variables analyzed included body mass index (BMI), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL), and LDL to HDL cholesterol ratio (LDL/HDL). Results: Significantly elevated levels of BMI, TG, LDL, TC/HDL, and LDL/HDL, along with reduced HDL levels, were noted in the NAFLD group compared to the non-NAFLD group (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified BMI, TG, TC/HDL, LDL/HDL, and HDL as significant predictors of NAFLD among these athletes. Conclusion: Key lipid profile elements, specifically total cholesterol and HDL, emerged as sensitive markers for predicting NAFLD in athletes with T2DM. Monitoring these indicators can facilitate early detection and contribute positively to the management and prevention of NAFLD in this specific population.