Optimizing screening for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in diabetes: a clinical audit of current practices.

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects 65.3% of patients with type 2 diabetes, and 22.2% of patients with type 1 diabetes. Individuals with MASLD also have a two-fold increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus. The bidirectional relationship between MASLD and diabetes amplifies metabolic risk and accelerates disease progression, conferring substantial morbidity and mortality. Current guidelines recommend systematic MASLD and fibrosis risk screening in patients with diabetes to facilitate early intervention and prevent progression. This clinical audit aims to evaluate MASLD screening practices within diabetes services at Monash Health to identify gaps in implementation.