Endocrine Abstracts

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), more recently renamed metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is the most highly prevalent chronic liver condition and is associated with significant adverse outcomes, both through liver-specific morbidity and mortality, but perhaps more importantly, through adverse cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes. MASLD is a spectrum of disease, extending from simple steatosis, through to inflammation and fibrosis and risk of cirrhosis. It is tightly associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes both of which drive disease incidence and progression. Accurate diagnosis and staging are crucial as they provide prognostic information that impacts upon clinical management. Liver biopsy is still regarded as the gold-standard investigative tool; however, there are now an array of novel non-invasive biomarkers and imaging modalities that aim to accurately reflect the stage of underlying disease and their use will be discussed. This will include the most appropriate strategies to be incorporated into routine diabetes clinics in primary and secondary care and their association with clinical outcome. In addition, the best strategies for monitoring disease progression (including biochemical and imaging modalities) will be discussed.