Hepatic steatosis index is associated with type 1 diabetes complications

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with an increased risk of complications in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) patients. To date, several biochemical indexes of NAFLD have been developed. Among these, hepatic steatosis index (HSI) strongly relates with the results of magnetic resonance. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible association between HSI and complications in T1DM. Methods: Medical records of patients with T1DM were evaluated. Macro-and micro-vascular complications were evaluated by a combination of instrumental (ECG, carotid artery echo-Doppler, fundus examination, vibration threshold at biothesiometry) and laboratory examination. HSI was calculated based on gender, body mass index and transaminases level. Results: Of the 124 patients evaluated, 71 were free of complications and 53 had at least one complication. The prevalence of diabetes complications was: 27% for retinopathy, 15% for carotid atherosclerosis, 16% for neuropathy. HSI was directly correlated with age, disease duration, triglycerides, total daily insulin and inversely with HDL and eGFR. In logistic regression analysis, HSI was independently associated with diabetic complications. Conclusion: These findings show that HSI is independently associated with the presence of complications in subjects with T1DM. This can be of clinical utility, allowing a better diagnostic classification of the patient and possibly guiding the therapeutic choice.