Investigation of Obesity, Cardiovascular Risk, and Liver Fibrosis Assessment through Elastography in Type 1 Diabetes Patients

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of obesity, cardiovascular risk (CVR), and liver fibrosis in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) patients using hepatic elastography. Given the rising incidence of obesity and insulin resistance in T1D, the study also explored the relationship between Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Methods The study compared 50 T1D patients with 50 Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) patients in terms of MetS prevalence and CVR. Additionally, another group of 39 overweight or obese T1D patients underwent abdominal ultrasonography and hepatic elastography to assess NAFLD and liver stiffness. Clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory data were collected for all patients. Results MetS was present in 44% of T1D patients and 98% of T2D patients (p < 0.001). The 5-year CVR was similar between the groups, but the 10-year CVR was significantly higher in T2D patients (12% vs. 6%, p < 0.01). T1D patients with MetS showed higher CVR, poorer glycemic control, and more microvascular complications. NAFLD was diagnosed in 64.1% of T1D patients, with 8% exhibiting significant liver fibrosis. Liver stiffness correlated positively with BMI (r = 0.496, p = 0.026). Conclusion The findings highlight the growing concern of MetS and NAFLD in T1D patients, particularly in the context of rising obesity. Routine screening for NAFLD and CVR in T1D patients, especially those with metabolic risk factors, is crucial for preventing long-term complications.