Chronic and low-grade inflammation can be a major reason that can trigger type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver.
Photo Credit: istockphoto
Chronic inflammatory state contributes to long-term complications of diabetes, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, and nephropathy, and may underlie the association of type 2 diabetes with other conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Chronic inflammation can silently damage healthy tissues, organs, and DNA thus causing more than 50% of global fatalities. It poses and raises the risk of various diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders, etc. For years, health experts debated the role of body weight as one of the possible causes of diabetes, liver diseases, and heart issues. However, latest reports claim that chronic inflammation can also be the leading contributor to several metabolic health issues. Chronic and low-grade inflammation can be a major reason that can trigger type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver.
According to a report published in Science Direct, “Obesity leads to chronic, systemic inflammation and can lead to insulin resistance (IR), β-cell dysfunction, and ultimately type 2 diabetes (T2D). This chronic inflammatory state contributes to long-term complications of diabetes, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, and nephropathy, and may underlie the association of type 2 diabetes with other conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.” 1
Systematic inflammation is an entire-body immune response where pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune cells are released that can impact organs and tissues all over the body instead of just one area. Unlike localized inflammation, this extensive, chronic, and acute state can occur due to infections, injuries or chronic diseases like diabetes and autoimmune disorders. It is often a low-grade, persistent state of inflammation that can last for months or years and damage healthy cells.
The major triggers include surgery, obesity, chronic stress, autoimmune disease, and sepsis. Major signs will include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and strong levels of inflammatory markers in the blood like C-reactive protein, according to a study featured in National Library of Medicine. 2
Diabetes and Inflammation: When it comes to type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, metabolic imbalance can cause low-grade inflammation. Presence of excess glucose and changed fat metabolism can stimulate inflammatory pathways. With the passage of time, the inflammatory activity can aggravate insulin resistance that can impact blood vessel lining and enhance cardiovascular weakness. Inflammation will not only cause diabetes but it can actively contribute to its progression, as per a report published in bookmytest. 3
Heart Disease and Inflammatory Damage: Heart disease can often be defined as cholesterol issues. Lipid imbalance may have an important role but inflammation is a major driver of plaque formation and instability. The inflammatory signals can immune cells into artery walls. These cells may cause plaque buildup and weaken plaque structure thus boosting the risk of rupture.
Fatty Liver And Metabolic Inflammation: Fatty liver disease often gets developed along with insulin resistance and metabolic imbalance. As fat begins to build up in the liver cells, inflammatory processes can get activated. Regular inflammation in the liver can cause tissue stress, fibrosis, and progressive dysfunction.
Therefore, we can conclude here that systematic inflammation does not target just one organ in the human body. It can impact the blood vessels, metabolic pathways, liver tissue, and hormonal imbalance. This is the reason why a person with diabetes can also develop heart disease and fatty liver as a result of shared biological pathways. Chronic disease like diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver may get diagnosed separately but systematic inflammation often links them.
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
Science Direct|Inflammation in obesity, diabetes, and related disorders
National Library of Medicine|Systemic response to inflammation
BookMyTest|The Inflammation Connection: What Many Chronic Diseases Have in Common
At marvelof.com, we spotlight the latest trends and products to keep you informed and inspired. Our coverage is editorial, not an endorsement to purchase. If you choose to shop through links in this article, whether on Amazon, Flipkart, or Myntra, marvelof.com may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
