Role of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the development of insulin resistance and diabetes

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease that is usually accompanied by insulin resistance (IR). Whether or how NAFLD and IR are temporally and mechanistically related is controversial. Recent studies focus on their epidemiology, the importance of dietary fat, the role of adipocytokines and the sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c. NAFLD and IR may progress to severe diseases, such as cirrhosis, diabetes or both, and understanding the pathogenesis of the precursor conditions has preventive and therapeutic implications. This review focuses on the possible relationships between NAFLD and IR and the treatment options available.