‎What is the connection between fatty liver and insulin resistance, how to identify symptoms without doing blood test?

Fatty liver means that excess fat has accumulated in the liver. Liver is an important organ of our body, which works to digest food, produce energy and remove toxins from the body. When fat increases in it, this work slows down. If not taken care of in time, this condition can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, then inflammation and later on to fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar. When the cells of the body do not recognize insulin properly, it is called insulin resistance. In this situation, the body has to produce more insulin, due to which both blood sugar and liver fat gradually start increasing. If fat increases in the liver, insulin resistance increases, and if insulin resistance increases, fat increases further. These two keep spoiling each other.

Experts say that the body itself gives signals as to what is going wrong inside. If we understand these signs on time, then even before getting the blood test done, we can guess whether we are at risk of fatty liver or pre-diabetes or not. Some symptoms are very important which can be the initial signs of liver and insulin related problems.

If your stomach feels very bulging and hard, then it cannot be just obesity, it is a sign that fat is getting accumulated around the internal organs, especially near the liver, this fat is very active and increases insulin resistance in the body. Therefore, if your stomach is enlarged but the rest of the body is normal, then it can be an early warning sign of fatty liver.

If soft tiny bumps or white pimples are visible on your neck or armpits, do not take it lightly. This happens due to insulin remaining in high quantity for a long time. This is the body’s way of telling you that your cells are not recognizing insulin properly, meaning insulin resistance has started.

Some people notice red or purple lines on their ankles or feet. This can be a sign of poor blood circulation and metabolic imbalance in the body, which is often associated with insulin resistance. Apart from this, if the face looks puffy, the cheeks are heavy and the cheekbones look low, then this is also a sign of fat accumulation in the liver.

If your blood pressure is repeatedly going above 140/90 mmHg, this is also a warning sign. Due to insulin resistance, blood vessels start hardening, which increases blood pressure. This condition puts extra pressure not only on the heart but also on the liver. In such a situation, to avoid this, reduce oil, sugar and processed food in your diet, start walking or exercising for at least 30 minutes daily, get enough sleep and reduce stress.