World Liver Day is observed on Friday, April 19, 2024. Experts say that it is poor lifestyle, especially eating habits, that has led to a rise in liver disease cases in the city. There has been a 30% increase in liver disease cases this year from last year.
Some of the major causes for liver disease are sedentary lifestyle, eating junk food, increase in lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension, and high cholesterol. Alcohol consumption, hepatitis infection and drug-induced complications are other factors that damage the liver.
Critical role
The liver has a major role to play in the body’s metabolism. It is involved in digestion, detoxification, control of blood sugar, and the breaking down of the nutrients we consume.
In 2023, 196 liver transplants were carried out at the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC) in Civil Hospital Medicity campus. However, in the first three months of this year, the number has already reached 57. The situation is a matter of concern, said doctors.
Many patients were reportedly diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in 2023. Experts said that in Gujarat, about 60% of damaged livers that require transplant have MASH. Gujarat has a high prevalence of diabetes. Coupled with obesity and hypertension, diabetes often leads to MASH, they explained.
Preventive action
The theme this year is, ‘Be vigilant, get regular liver check-ups and prevent fatty liver diseases.’ So, the focus is on prevention.
A balanced diet and active lifestyle are necessary to control weight. Reducing consumption of calories, especially sugar and eating green leafy vegetables and fruits is recommended to maintain the health of the liver.
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