Fatty liver disease and insulin resistance are a toxic duo – when fat builds up in the liver, it triggers insulin resistance, which in turn fuels further fat accumulation, inflammation, and damage. This vicious cycle can escalate to serious liver damage, like NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a form of fatty liver disease characterised by liver inflammation and damage)
However, did you know that you could learn about your liver health and potential pre-diabetes without a blood test by examining physical signs such as visceral fat, skin tags, and high blood pressure?
In an August 3 Instagram video, Dr Brijmohan Arora, a diabetologist with over 24 years of experience, who practices in Dwarka, New Delhi, shared how he addressed a patient’s concern about his liver health and potential pre-diabetes without requiring a blood test. He titled his post: ‘How to detect a fatty liver without blood tests’.
In the video he posted, Dr Arora explained non-invasive physical signs that can indicate the presence of fatty liver disease and insulin resistance, conditions often linked to obesity. Key indicators that he highlighted included excessive, hard visceral fat, the presence of skin tags on the neck or armpits, visible red or purple lines on the legs, particularly near the ankles, and a significant increase in blood pressure. Dr Arora said that these physical manifestations can serve as crucial clinical clues for determining a patient’s health status when laboratory tests are refused.
Summary:
A seasoned Dwarka diabetologist with 24 years’ experience explains how physical signs like puffiness near cheekbones can help identify fatty liver—no blood test needed.