To investigate the correlation between hepatic triglyceride content and glucose lipid metabolism, insulin resistance and β cell function.

A total of 32 type 2 diabetic patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was recruited in this study. Hepatic triglyceride content was measured with liver proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was carried out in all participants, with measurements of plasma glucose and insulin levels. The homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), hepatic insulin resistance (HIR), and Matsuda Index (MSI) were used to assess insulin resistance. The homeostasis model assessment beta cell function (HOMA-βF), early insulin secretion index (EISI) and late insulin secretion index (LISI) were used to assess β cell function.

Hepatic triglyceride contents had positive correlations with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, Body fat, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), triglycerides (TG), HOMA-IR, HIR, and negative correlations with MSI. Stepwise regression analysis showed that body fat and HOMA-IR were independently risk factors for hepatic triglyceride contents.

Hepatic triglyceride content is closely correlated with obesity, liver function, blood lipid, and insulin resistance; especially obesity and insulin resistance are the most important factors.

Type 2 diabetes; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; Hepatic triglyceride content; Insulin resistance; Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy