Features of Early Diagnosis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are interrelated pathologies forming the basis of metabolic syndrome. These conditions significantly increase the risk of severe complications, such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This article explores the primary pathogenesis theories of NAFLD, including alimentary and metabolic theories, and introduces the novel concept of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Modern diagnostic approaches, such as ultrasound techniques and biochemical markers, along with the prospects of genetic testing, are discussed in detail. Molecular genetic determination of the I148M polymorphism in the PNPLA3 gene can be recommended for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) at any stage of disease progression, regardless of the presence or absence of other risk factors for the transition from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Further studies on larger patient cohorts and in various populations will help refine these findings and potentially develop screening methods for the timely identification of individuals at high risk for adverse NAFLD outcomes.