Diabetes can increase the risk of some types of liver disease, with poor blood sugar control increasing the risk.
This can lead to scarring of the liver known as cirrhosis or some forms of cancer of the liver.
According to the new research, people with diabetes are 70 percent more likely to die from liver disease than those without the condition, a high mortality rate among diabetics with liver disease is noted.
In the study, Edinburgh researchers analyzed the records of people aged 35 to 84 over a six-year period to 2007.
They compared 1,267 diabetes sufferers to 10,100 people without the condition, who all died of liver disease.
The results showed about one in four or 25 percent people with diabetes died of liver cancer, compared to one in ten or 10 percent of non-diabetics.
However, more people without diabetes died from alcoholic liver disease about 63 percent compared to those with diabetes about 38 percent.
Diabetic patients are advised not to drink too much alcohol because of its potential impact on blood sugar levels and the risk of weight gain.
Dr. Sarah Wild, of Edinburgh University, said: “Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has become much more common recently, particularly among people with diabetes.
The research is presented at the Diabetes UK Annual Professional Conference.
