Journal List > J Korean Diabetes > v.19(2) > 1098210

Yang and Park: Glucose-Lowering Agents in the Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is more prevalent in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic subjects, because the two diseases share a common pathophysiological mechanism. Associated abnormalities can be observed from the pre-diabetic stage. Lifestyle intervention, including diet, exercise, and weight loss, is the primary recommended therapy for NAFLD. Among the therapeutic drugs for NAFLD treatment, anti-diabetic agents are aimed at improving or slowing the progression of NAFLD in addition to lowering blood glucose. In this paper, we systemically review the evidence surrounding antidiabetic medications and their ability to improve disease progression in patients with NAFLD.

Figures and Tables

Table 1

Effects of glucose-lowering agents in NAFLD/NASH patients

jkd-19-88-i001

Data from the articles of Mazzotti et al. (Dig Liver Dis 2017;49:235–40) [48] and Portillo-Sanchez and Cusi (Clin Diabetes Endocrinol 2016;2:9) [49].

NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; NASH, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; GLP-1R, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor; DPP-4, dipeptidylpeptidase-4; SGLT-2, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2; n/a, data not available.

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