Heart and liver intertwined, symbolizing the connection between BNP levels and fatty liver disease.

Low BNP Levels Linked to Fatty Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research suggests a connection between heart health and liver health in type 2 diabetes. Could monitoring BNP levels be a new way to assess liver disease risk?"

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing concern, especially for those with type 2 diabetes. It’s characterized by an excessive buildup of fat in the liver, and it can lead to serious health issues, including cardiovascular problems. Managing NAFLD is crucial, and new research is shedding light on unexpected connections within the body.

Recent studies have highlighted the role of natriuretic peptides (NPs), particularly B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), in regulating metabolism. These peptides, traditionally known for their heart-related functions, appear to influence how the body processes fats. Low levels of NPs have been observed in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes, potentially affecting fat distribution and increasing the risk of NAFLD.

A groundbreaking study has uncovered a significant link between low levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a precursor to BNP, and the presence of NAFLD in patients with type 2 diabetes. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding the interplay between heart health, metabolic processes, and liver disease.

The BNP-NAFLD Connection: Unpacking the Research

Heart and liver intertwined, symbolizing the connection between BNP levels and fatty liver disease.

In a cross-sectional study, researchers investigated the relationship between NT-proBNP levels and liver fat content in 120 patients with type 2 diabetes. Liver fat was precisely measured using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy, a sophisticated imaging technique. The study aimed to determine if there’s a correlation between BNP levels and the presence of NAFLD.

The results revealed that nearly half (48%) of the participants had NAFLD, defined as a liver fat content exceeding 5.6%. These individuals also exhibited significantly lower NT-proBNP levels compared to those without NAFLD. This intriguing finding suggests a potential link between BNP deficiency and the development of fatty liver disease.

Here are some key findings:

Individuals with NAFLD had lower NT-proBNP levels.
Lower NT-proBNP was associated with a 2.9-fold increased risk of NAFLD, even after adjusting for factors like age, gender, and other health conditions.
NT-proBNP levels were independently and inversely associated with liver fat content, meaning that as NT-proBNP levels decreased, liver fat increased.

The researchers further explored the roles of insulin resistance and fat metabolism. They found that the relationship between BNP and liver fat might be influenced by adiponectin, a hormone that regulates glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown. This suggests that the connection between BNP and NAFLD may involve complex interactions within fat tissue.

What This Means for You

This research offers valuable insights into the intricate relationship between heart and liver health, particularly for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Monitoring BNP levels could potentially become a useful tool in assessing the risk of NAFLD. While further studies are needed, this discovery highlights the importance of a holistic approach to managing diabetes, considering the interconnectedness of various bodily systems. If you have type 2 diabetes, discussing your BNP levels with your healthcare provider may be a proactive step in understanding your overall health and potential risk for NAFLD.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the connection between BNP levels and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the context of type 2 diabetes?

Research indicates a significant correlation between lower levels of BNP and the presence of NAFLD in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study showed that those with NAFLD had notably lower levels of NT-proBNP, a precursor to BNP. This link suggests that BNP might play a role in how the body processes fats, and that a deficiency could increase the risk of developing NAFLD. Specifically, the study found that lower NT-proBNP levels were independently associated with increased liver fat content.

How was the liver fat content measured in the study, and why is it important?

The study utilized 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy to precisely measure liver fat content in the participants. This sophisticated imaging technique allowed researchers to accurately determine the amount of fat accumulated in the liver. Accurate measurement of liver fat is crucial for diagnosing and understanding NAFLD, which is characterized by excessive fat buildup. The study defined NAFLD as a liver fat content exceeding 5.6%, which was a key factor in establishing the link between NT-proBNP levels and the presence of the disease.

Besides BNP, what other factors are involved in the relationship between liver health and type 2 diabetes?

The relationship between BNP and liver health is complex and involves several factors. The research suggests that insulin resistance and fat metabolism are significant players. The study specifically mentions adiponectin, a hormone regulating glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown, as potentially influencing the connection between BNP and liver fat. This implies that the interplay between BNP and NAFLD might involve complex interactions within fat tissue, including metabolic processes.

What does this research imply for individuals with type 2 diabetes in terms of their health management?

This research highlights the importance of a holistic approach to managing type 2 diabetes, considering the interconnectedness of the heart and the liver. Monitoring BNP levels could potentially become a useful tool in assessing the risk of NAFLD. Individuals with type 2 diabetes should discuss their BNP levels with their healthcare provider. It underscores the importance of considering the broader implications of metabolic health and the benefits of a comprehensive health assessment.

Can you elaborate on the role of Natriuretic peptides (NPs) like BNP in the body and how they connect to liver health?

Natriuretic peptides (NPs), particularly BNP, are traditionally known for their heart-related functions. However, recent research suggests that they also play a role in regulating metabolism, specifically how the body processes fats. Low levels of NPs have been observed in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes, potentially affecting fat distribution and increasing the risk of NAFLD. In the context of liver health, this implies that BNP could influence the accumulation of fat in the liver, with lower levels potentially contributing to the development or progression of NAFLD. This study specifically links the precursor NT-proBNP levels to liver fat content.