MASLD Linked to Elevated ASCVD Risk in Type 1 Diabetes Patients: Study
MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) is linked to elevated ASCVD Risk in Type 1 diabetes patients suggests a new study published in the Cardiology Diabetology.
This study aimed to investigate the correlation between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Adults with T1D (n = 659) were consecutively screened for liver steatosis via abdominal ultrasound.
The presence of macrovascular disease (including coronary artery disease [CAD], peripheral artery disease [PAD], or ischaemic stroke [CVA, cerebrovascular accident]) was identified via electronic medical records. The 5- and 10-year risks of fatal/nonfatal ASCVD were assessed via the Steno Type 1 Risk Engine. Insulin resistance was assessed via the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR). Results: The metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease prevalence was 16.8%.
The prevalence of composite atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, CAD, PAD and CVA was greater in people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. The 5-year and 10-year risks of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were greater in those with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease was associated with prevalent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, independent of age, sex, diabetes duration, smoking, statin use, LDL-cholesterol, the glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria, and metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is associated with both an increased prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and an increased calculated risk of fatal/nonfatal atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in people with T1D.
Reference:
Mertens J, Weyler J, Dirinck E, Vonghia L, Kwanten WJ, Van Gaal LF, De Winter BY, Francque S, De Block C. Increased prevalence and risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in individuals with Type 1 diabetes and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2025 May 29;24(1):230. doi: 10.1186/s12933-025-02764-y. PMID: 40442720; PMCID: PMC12124096.
