JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The escalating rates of obesity and T2DM in Saudi Arabia highlight the impending burden of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Objective:

The study aims to identify MASLD among T2DM patients at KSMC family medicine clinics, Riyadh, and explore associated factors to facilitate early intervention and prevention strategies.

Methods:

It is a cross-sectional study, which identified T2DM patients who attend KSMC Riyadh, and who had Ultrasound abdomen and diagnosed with MASLD. The study data was collected by a peer-reviewed validated data extraction sheet and analyzed by IBM SPSS 26.

Results:

Our study included 292 participants, with 47.3% (n=138) males and 52.7% (n=154) females. Prevalent comorbidities included dyslipidemia (n=218, 74.7%) and hypertension (n=209, 71.6%). Most were non-smokers (n=218, 74.7%). Notably, the prevalence of MASLD is 54.5% (n=159). Higher waist circumference associated significantly with MASLD (p=0.022), accounting for >80 cm among females (60.3%) and >94 cm males (54.5%) affected in different stages of MASLD. Obesity (BMI > 30) also significantly correlated with MASLD (p<0.001). Notably, individuals taking aspirin had half the odds of MASLD development (OR=0.523, p=0.007). Biochemical analysis revealed significant associations between MASLD and elevated ALT (p=0.009), AST (p=0.012), and HOMA-IR (p=0.001). Total cholesterol (p=0.010), triglycerides (p=0.029), and LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) (p=0.036) were significantly elevated in MASLD patients. Insulin exhibited a significant positive correlation with MASLD (r=0.237, p=0.001). Glucose levels showed no significant association (r=0.029, p=0.628).

Conclusions:

Our study highlights the significant associations between Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and various factors including waist circumference, obesity, and certain biochemical markers. Furthermore, the protective effect of aspirin against MASLD warrants further investigation. These findings underscore the importance of early intervention and targeted preventive strategies.