High Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels Can Impair Liver Function – Here's Why

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Returning late and eating heavily, frequently consuming sugary drinks, a fondness for fried snacks, or lack of physical activity often seem like “normal” daily habits. However, such lifestyle choices can gradually raise cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

This condition not only affects weight or diabetes risk but can also “attack” the liver, leading to fatty liver accumulation known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Unfortunately, liver issues often develop without clear symptoms and go unnoticed until they become severe.

Dr. dr. Kaka Renaldi, Sp.PD-KGEH, FINASIM from Mayapada Hospital Kuningan explained that liver disorders rarely occur in isolation but are closely linked to metabolic conditions that develop gradually unnoticed. “When cholesterol and blood sugar remain uncontrolled over time, the impact extends beyond general metabolism to liver function. Changes in metabolic profiles should therefore serve as an early warning to monitor liver health,” he stated in a written release on Friday (29/5/2026).

He added that in early stages, fatty liver often causes no specific symptoms, leading many to feel healthy and continue normal activities, unaware of internal changes. This condition is frequently only detected after it has progressed significantly.

The link between cholesterol, blood sugar, and liver health is crucial to understand. Rising triglycerides, unstable blood sugar, weight gain, or increased waist circumference can signal suboptimal metabolic function.

Ultimately, maintaining stable cholesterol and blood sugar levels is not just about preventing heart disease or diabetes but is also vital for liver health.

To support early detection and management, Mayapada Hospital Kuningan offers liver health, metabolic disorder, and weight management services focused on risks such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and metabolic syndrome. Abdominal ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and endoscopy are available for accurate evaluation.

These services are supported by a multidisciplinary medical team and modern facilities, including ultrasound elastography for non-invasive liver assessment and Total Body Matrix Assessment (TBMA) for body composition and metabolic indicator analysis. All services form part of the Gastrohepatology Center, a comprehensive digestive disorder treatment service available across Mayapada Hospital units in South Jakarta (Lebak Bulus and Kuningan Rasuna Said), Tangerang, Bogor, Surabaya, Bandung, and soon East Jakarta.

For more information, the public can contact the Call Center at 150770, WhatsApp at 0817-17-150770, or use the MyCare app. Through the app, users can access health information from Mayapada Hospital doctors via the Health Articles & Tips feature and Personal Health tools to monitor heart rate, steps, calories burned, and Body Mass Index (BMI).