A New Milestone in Diabetes Care – Inauguration of novel ‘Diabetes Liver Clinic’ by Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre & Madras Diabetes Research Foundation

Chennai, November 2023: On the occasion of ‘World Diabetes Day’ (14^thNovember, 2023), India’s leading Diabetes chain of hospitals – Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, in collaboration with its research wing Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, is proud to announce the launch of the first-of-its-kind novel ‘Diabetes Liver Clinic’, a Centre of Excellence dedicated to the research, prevention and management of liver complications in individuals with diabetes.

Recent research spotlights the less-appreciated association between diabetes and liver health, as the liver plays a critical role being a glucose storehouse and its susceptibility to conditions such as ‘Fatty Liver’ has recently come into focus. Dr. V. Mohan’s research underscores that over 50% of individuals with type 2 diabetes experience some degree of fatty liver. This sets the stage for ‘Hepatic Insulin Resistance,’ where insulin function in the liver diminishes, leading to elevated glucose release, particularly during fasting, emphasizing the interplay between fatty liver and type 2 diabetes. The evolving understanding of this bidirectional relationship highlights the importance of addressing these conditions holistically, marking a shift from a glucose-centric diabetes treatment approach to a broader metabolic care framework, where the liver plays a central role. In lieu of this, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation are proud to introduce the revolutionary novel Diabetes Liver Clinic marking a significant shift in the approach to diabetes care.

Commenting on the launch, Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation stated ” Today signifies a remarkable advancement in the landscape of diabetes care, as we proudly introduce the novel Diabetes Liver Clinic. The recent findings from the ICMR-INDIAB Study, published in the Lancet Diabetes Endocrinology, have shed light on the escalating prevalence of diabetes in India, with a staggering 101 million individuals affected, and an additional 136 million grappling with prediabetes. While the well-documented complications of diabetes affecting the eyes, kidneys, heart, feet, and nerves are widely acknowledged, the subtle yet critical connection between diabetes and liver health has only gained the emphasis on it merits recently. With our ongoing research, the intricate bidirectional relationship between fatty liver and type 2 diabetes are being constantly monitored. Our shift in commitment with the liver now taking centre stage, lies in addressing this evolving challenge by generating essential data, specifically tailored for the Indian population.”

Dr. R M Anjana, Managing Director, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre and MDRF expressed “At this momentous juncture, we are thrilled to introduce the novel Diabetes Liver Clinic. The interplay between metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver has brought a new focus and our mission is to assess the prevalence of MAFLD, intervene to prevent its progression, and even strive to reverse it. With the installation of advanced diagnostic technology like the Fibroscan, we are keenly committed to monitoring and addressing several liver complications thereby redefining diabetes care in the country.”

Adding further to this, Dr. Ranjit Unnikrishnan – Vice-President, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre and MDRF said “India’s statistics underscore the urgency for a holistic approach and the launch of the novel Diabetes Liver Clinic by Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation will usher in a new era of comprehensive care, thereby setting a new benchmark for vital research in diabetes management. “

Dr. Aswin Krishna, Consultant Hepatologist, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre stated “I am happy to be spearhead this clinic under Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre as I believe that we will definitely be able to cater to the increasing demand of the treatment specific for liver related complications due to Diabetes and other NCDs. “

Recognizing the increasing association between metabolic syndrome, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver, the novel clinic will focus on the newly recognized ‘Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease’ (MAFLD), endeavouring to halt its progression and even reverse it. Equipped with advanced diagnostic technology like the Fibroscan, the clinic will not only detect fatty liver but also assess liver fibrosis – a precursor to cirrhosis, which in some cases can be fatal even leading to carcinoma. Topping the list of priorities, the clinic will mainly focus on providing population-based normative data on novel liver function markers in both men and women across different age groups in India.