By Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist
When most people think of liver disease, alcohol is the first culprit that comes to mind. But here in Dubai, I see a growing number of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—and one of the biggest hidden drivers is daily soda consumption.
The 50% Risk Increase You Didn’t Expect
Recent research from the U.S. shows that drinking just one can of soda every day increases your risk of fatty liver by about 50%. Why? Because unlike sugar in solid food, liquid sugar hits your bloodstream fast. This causes spikes in blood sugar and insulin, forcing your liver to quickly convert the excess into fat. Over time, that fat gets stored inside the liver itself.
Why Dubai Patients Should Take This Seriously
Fatty liver can affect anyone—even people who look slim and otherwise healthy. In my Dubai practice, I regularly see patients who are shocked when scans reveal early liver changes, even though they don’t drink alcohol. Soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks are often the missing link.
What We Do Beyond Awareness
If you’re worried about fatty liver, the first step is testing and monitoring. Dr. Pranab performs these tests at a JCI-accredited centre in Dubai, including:
- Liver FibroScan – a quick, painless test to measure liver stiffness and fat buildup.
- Comprehensive blood and imaging assessments – to evaluate your overall liver function and risk.
These assessments help us catch fatty liver early—before it silently progresses. If needed, I guide patients on lifestyle, diet, and medical treatment to protect their liver long-term.
Learn more about our Fatty Liver assessment and FibroScan services in Dubai
FAQ: Soda, Sugar, and Fatty Liver
Q1: Can one can of soda really damage my liver?
Yes. Studies show that just one soda a day raises the risk of fatty liver by around 50%. Over years, this can silently progress without symptoms.
Q2: What’s the difference between sugar in food and sugar in soda?
Solid sugars are absorbed more slowly. Soda delivers liquid sugar in one fast hit, spiking blood sugar and insulin, which strains the liver.
Q3: Can skinny people still get fatty liver?
Absolutely. Even people with normal weight can develop fatty liver if their diet is high in sugary drinks and processed foods.
Q4: How do I know if I have fatty liver?
Often there are no symptoms. A FibroScan test, bloodwork, or ultrasound is needed to check liver fat and stiffness.
Q5: Who is the best gastroenterologist in Dubai for fatty liver?
There are several experienced doctors in Dubai, but patients often choose to see Dr. Pranab because of his over 25 years of experience managing gut and liver conditions. Beyond standard liver testing like FibroScan, he also has expertise in analyzing the gut microbiome to help patients with resistant or complex fatty liver cases.