PREVALENCE OF INSULIN RESISTANCE IN NON-DIABETIC NAFLD

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of insulin resistance (IR) in non-diabetic patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and identify associated risk factors in a Pakistani population.

Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, enrolling 112 non-diabetic NAFLD patients. Data on demographics, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose, and fasting insulin levels were collected. Insulin resistance was defined using the HOMA-IR index (HOMA-IR >2.0). Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess predictors of insulin resistance.

Results: The prevalence of insulin resistance among non-diabetic NAFLD patients was 72.3%. Key predictors of IR included age, BMI, and hypertension. Patients aged ≥40 years had a 47% increased likelihood of IR per additional year (p=0.026). Overweight/obese individuals had 2.39 times higher odds of IR (p=0.017). Hypertension was the strongest predictor, with hypertensive patients having nearly 12 times higher odds of IR (p=0.012). Dyslipidemia and gender were not significant predictors.

Conclusion: Insulin resistance is highly prevalent in non-diabetic NAFLD patients, with age, obesity, and hypertension as major risk factors. Early identification of IR in NAFLD patients is crucial for metabolic risk assessment and preventive interventions. Given Pakistan’s rising burden of metabolic disorders, routine screening for IR in NAFLD patients and targeted lifestyle modifications should be prioritized to mitigate diabetes and cardiovascular risks.