It may seem paradoxical, but both low blood sugar and fatty liver are caused by a high-sugar diet. You can prevent low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, and reverse fatty liver disease by limiting simple carbohydrates and exercising regularly. These lifestyle changes will also lower your risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes and may help you lose weight.
Causes
Despite its name, fatty liver disease is more closely linked to a diet high in sugar -- not fat. Obesity, diabetes, elevated triglyceride levels and low blood sugar can all be caused by rapid spikes followed by dramatic drops in glucose levels. When you eat simple carbohydrates that digest quickly, your body can produce glucose very quickly. This rush of sugar hits your bloodstream and your pancreas reacts by flooding your body with insulin to counteract the sugar. Often too much insulin is produced, leaving you with low blood sugar -- tricking your body into thinking you need more glucose and triggering hunger, often with a desire for more sugar. This pattern of high and low blood sugar leads to overeating, weight gain and insulin resistance -- which are all linked to fatty liver disease.
Carbohydrates
There are three main types of carbohydrates -- sugar, starch and fiber. Sugar and starch have a dramatic effect on glucose levels and should be limited in your diet. High-fiber carbs, such as whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables, should make up the majority of your carbohydrate choices. According to Harvard's Joslin Diabetes Center, a high-fiber diet may help regulate glucose and insulin levels and can aid in weight loss. Fiber adds bulk without calories and may help you feel satisfied faster and longer, leading to a reduction in overall caloric intake.
Weight Loss
Dr. Frank Jackson of Siegalbaum/Jackson Gastroenterology says that "since being overweight is by far the most critical factor, weight loss is the key to ridding the liver of fat." Losing weight can also help prevent hypoglycemia because excess body fat interferes in the way your body uses insulin. You must cut 3,500 calories from your diet to lose 1 lb. of body fat. You can trim calories by eliminating junk food and empty calories in addition to burning more calories through exercise. Just 500 calories less daily will result in losing 1 lb. every week.
Other Treatments
Drinking alcohol has a dramatic effect on both liver and glucose levels. Limit alcoholic beverages. If you're diabetic, carefully controlling glucose levels can prevent hypoglycemia and help with weight management. Very rarely, there may be an underlying medical problem, such as hypothyroidism, that can cause fatty liver and interfere with your metabolism, leading to weight gain. Pregnancy can also cause these issues, although it is rare. If diet and lifestyle changes don't help control blood sugar and reverse fatty liver disease, your doctor may recommend other measures, including medication.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; February 2011
- Better Health Channel; Liver Disease -- Fatty Liver Disease; June 2011
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Hypoglycemia
- Jackson/Siegelbaum Gastroenterology; Fatty Liver; Frank W. Jackson M.D.; 2008
- Joslin Diabetes Center: How Does Fiber Affect Blood Glucose Levels?
