This World Diabetes Day, Filipino health experts are urging the public to look beyond blood sugar and recognize the liver’s overlooked role in the development of type 2 diabetes. While the pancreas often takes center stage in conversations about diabetes, a growing body of evidence suggests that Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) play a major role in driving insulin resistance.
MAFLD/ MASLD’s Impact on Diabetes Risk: An Urgent Call for Awareness
Global research shows that 26 percent of people with type 2 diabetes also have MAFLD/ MASLD, a silent condition that often goes undetected until it becomes more serious. Despite the liver’s essential role in regulating blood sugar, metabolizing fats, and managing inflammation, it is rarely included in diabetes screenings or treatment discussions.
In the Philippines, this connection is especially concerning: the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that over 4.7 million adult Filipinos are living with diabetes, with thousands more undiagnosed. Alarmingly, while we focus on other health concerns, a silent epidemic looms: nearly 20 million Filipinos—equivalent to 1 in 5 of our countrymen—face the risk of fatty liver disease. This ticking time bomb is fueled by our modern lifestyle: obesity, poor dietary choices, lack of physical activity, and rising metabolic disorders.3
According to Dr. Jose D. Sollano, Jr.MD, FPCP, FPSG, FSDE, FACP, Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Santo Tomas, “Over 90% of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are overweight or obese. Up to 70 – 80% of patients with T2DM have MAFLD/ MASLD. The central link connecting diabetes and MAFLD/ MASLD is insulin resistance. What is the major driver for insulin resistance? Obesity!”
“In obese individuals, excess fat may deposit also in the liver, muscle and even in the pancreas. This abnormality interferes with insulin function and sugar utilization by the body. On one hand, obesity precedes insulin resistance and T2DM where both conditions increase the risks for the development of MAFLD/ MASLD. Advanced MAFLD/ MASLD may worsen systemic insulin resistance and make the management of the co-existing diabetes more challenging. It’s a dangerous cycle which we can break if we act earlier and extend this awareness to Filipinos who are obese, those with abnormal blood sugar levels, or those with innocent elevations of Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT) & Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT),” said Dr. Jose D. Sollano, Jr.
People with MAFLD/ MASLD are two to five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those without it. Both conditions share many of the same risk factors, including poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and metabolic dysfunction. However, while blood sugar testing has become routine in preventive care, liver health screenings remain uncommon in the Philippines, even among high-risk groups. While many people remain unaware of MAFLD/ MASLD globally, research supports the strong utility of its diagnostic criteria in identifying fatty liver disease early. This underscores the need for targeted education and policy shifts that bring liver health into focus.
Liver Health: A Foundational Piece of Metabolic Wellness
To challenge misconceptions and spark urgent conversations, health advocates are increasing public awareness in the Philippines and encouraging proactive liver care. Early liver health checkups, education, and prevention can help mitigate serious complications like hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Liver health isn’t just a niche issue, it’s a foundation of overall wellness. By caring for the liver, individuals can better manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of long-term health issues.
Early liver health checkups, public education, and preventive lifestyle interventions can help mitigate serious complications before they begin. Simple, sustainable changes such as improved diet, increased physical activity, and weight management can significantly reduce liver fat and improve overall metabolic outcomes.
Liver health isn’t just a small issue, it’s a foundation of overall wellness. By caring for the liver, individuals can better manage blood pressure, stabilize blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of long-term health issues that often co-occur with diabetes.
This World Diabetes Day, health experts are encouraging people to take a more complete view of their long-term health. That means asking about liver screenings during routine checkups, understanding the connection between liver function and blood sugar control, and taking small, proactive steps to reduce risk over time.
Learn More
Regular check-ups and proactive care are critical. For more information on liver health, risk factors, and prevention strategies, talk to your local pharmacist to get your liver checked. Visit https://www.essentiale.com/en-ph/check-your-liver to take a free self-assessment.
To find out more about World Diabetes Day and read the latest reports, visit https://worlddiabetesday.org/.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
MAT-PH-2501358 / Ver 1.0 / DA 11-2025 / DM 11-2025
Opella Healthcare Philippines Inc.
