Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the leading cause of liver disease worldwide, with a prevalence of approximately 25% that peaks at the age of 45–62 years. This condition not only negatively affects liver function but is also an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and doubles the risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) independently of other traditional risk factors.
The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes among adults was approximately 10.5% in 2021 and is projected to rise to 12.2% by 2045. Patients with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy) and macrovascular (myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral arterial disease) complications.