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People with diabetes are 70% more likely to die from liver disease than those without the illness, according to new research. (FILE)
It is already known that diabetes can increase the risk of some types of liver disease, with poor blood sugar control boosting the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This can lead to scarring of the liver (also known as cirrhosis) and cancer.
In the new study, presented at the Diabetes Annual Professional Conference, British researchers analysed health records of people aged 35 to 84 over a six-year period to 2007.
They compared 1,267 people with diabetes and 10,100 without the condition, who all died of liver disease.
The results showed that around one in four - 24% - people with diabetes died of liver cancer compared to 9% of those without diabetes. However, far more people without diabetes died from alcoholic liver disease (63%) compared to those with diabetes (38%).
Diabetic patients are advised not to drink too much alcohol due to its potential impact on blood sugar levels and the extra calories causing weight gain.
Overall, the study found people with diabetes were 70% more likely to die from liver disease.
Lead researcher Dr Sarah Wild, from the University of Edinburgh, said: "Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has become much more common recently, particularly among people with diabetes.
"The major risk factor for it is being overweight, which is also an important risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.
"Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease increases the risk of cirrhosis which in turn increases the risk of liver cancer. A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk and prevention is particularly important because the options for treatment are limited."
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