Probable NAFLD, by ALT levels, and diabetes among Filipino-American Women

Abstract Background Studies have shown alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a marker for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), predicts type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Objective To examine the association between probable NAFLD and T2DM in non-obese, non-alcoholic consuming Filipino-American women aged 48–73 years. Research design and methods The UCSD Filipino Women's Health Study measured glucose, hepatic enzymes, adiponectin and visceral fat (VAT) during clinical visits (1995–2002). We defined T2DM by 1999 WHO criteria and probable NAFLD as ALT >31 U/L. Results Prevalence of T2DM was 34.4% and probable NAFLD was 17.2%. Women with T2DM ( n  = 56) had higher VAT, total:HDL cholesterol, SBP, fasting glucose and insulin, postchallenge glucose, ALT (28.7 U/L versus 19.1 U/L, p p  = 0.0002) and lower adiponectin than those without T2DM ( n  = 107). GGT ( p  = 0.0008) and ALT ( p  = 0.002) were associated with increasing VAT levels. Probable NAFLD was independently associated with T2DM (AOR 6.32, 95% CI 2.2–18.0), after adjusting for risk factors. Conclusion Probable NAFLD was elevated and associated with T2DM, independent of VAT, adiponectin and other risk factors. ALT may serve as a useful marker for NAFLD or diabetes risk in Filipino women.