Researchers at Sun Yat-sen University have found that turning on the enzyme glucokinase can lower blood glucose levels in a high-fat diet, yet it may also raise the risk of fatty liver disease. This insight comes from a study published in Liver Research, highlighting a trade-off between improved glycemic control and potential hepatic fat accumulation.
Globally, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD affects roughly one in five people, and more than half of those with NAFLD also live with type 2 diabetes. Obesity stands out as a critical driver for a range of metabolic disorders, including NAFLD and diabetes. As lifestyles shift and populations age, the number of diagnosed cases is projected to rise in both North American and global contexts.
Glucokinase activators have begun reshaping the management of type 2 diabetes. Drugs such as dorzagliatin have demonstrated effectiveness in lowering fasting glucose and postprandial spikes. However, emerging evidence indicates that while these agents help regulate sugar levels, they may promote hepatic fat buildup in some patients, raising questions about long-term liver health in diabetes care.
Current findings suggest a need for more targeted research to understand which patients benefit most and how to balance glucose control with liver safety. This could support personalized treatment plans that consider individual metabolic profiles, risks for NAFLD progression, and coexisting conditions. Clinicians are increasingly looking at patient-specific factors such as genetic background, liver fat content, and insulin sensitivity when selecting therapies for chronic metabolic disease management (Citation: Liver Research, 2023).
As the field advances, experts emphasize integrated care that combines lifestyle strategies with optimized pharmacotherapy. Regular monitoring of liver enzymes, imaging when indicated, and careful dose adjustments may help mitigate potential hepatic side effects while maintaining glycemic benefits. The goal is to empower patients with evidence-based options that address both blood glucose control and liver health in a balanced, long-term plan (Citation: Liver Research, 2023).
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