Paula Macedo, researcher at CEDOC and APDP (Associação Protectora dos Diabéticos de Portugal), sat down for an interview with SIC Notícias where she spoke about the causes, treatments and also the importance of disclosing information about Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes, two silent diseases.
Paula Macedo begins by explaining that the NAFLD depends on two factors: genetics and lifestyle.
The researcher also warns that the lack of knowledge about NAFLD and type 2 Diabetes is largely due to the fact that these are two silent diseases. Therefore, it stresses the importance of spreading information about these diseases and further underlines the fact that many people suffering from diabetes are poorly informed about it. When asked how this lack of information can be overcome, she bealieves the best way to do it is through an open communication between health professionals and their patients.
Regarding the treatments available for NAFLD, Paula Macedo says that in a first phase, it involves changing the lifestyle - nutritionwise and also by avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. She also states that those whose NAFLD is in remission at an early stage, can also have a much more controlled Diabetes. On the other hand, at a later stage, when it comes to installed fibrosis, this is a much more complex process because there are no major therapeutic approaches yet.
Full interview here.