Liver Function Test for Diabetes Patients

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that disrupts the body’s glucose processing, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. While managing blood sugar remains crucial, diabetes can also impact various organs, including the liver.

Research in the Journal of Medicine reveals that about 70% of individuals with type 2 diabetes develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with roughly 20% experiencing advanced liver fibrosis. This raises their risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma, doubling their chances of liver-related mortality compared to those without diabetes.

However, regular liver tests for diabetes can help prevent such complications. One such test is the liver function test, which measures specific liver enzymes and proteins and offers crucial insights into liver health and function.

What is a Liver Function Test?

A liver function test (LFT) is a series of blood tests designed to evaluate the health and functionality of the liver. It typically measures levels of enzymes, proteins, and other substances produced or processed by the liver. These include alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and albumin, among others.

The LFT test price is nominal. It involves a professional drawing a blood sample from a vein in the arm. No special preparations are required for this test, though one’s doctor may instruct them if any specific preparations are needed.

When is the Liver Function Test Done?

For individuals with diabetes, LFT tests are often conducted during routine check-ups or as part of comprehensive health assessments. Additionally, they may be ordered if there are concerns about liver health, such as abnormal liver enzyme levels or symptoms suggestive of liver dysfunction, like jaundice or abdominal pain.

Why is a Liver Function Test Required?

The liver is essential in glucose metabolism, lipid regulation, and insulin processing, making it particularly important for individuals with diabetes. Diabetes can exert additional stress on the liver due to factors like insulin resistance, obesity, and fluctuations in blood glucose levels.

Consequently, diabetes patients are at a higher risk of developing liver-related complications, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Regular monitoring of liver function through LFTs enables healthcare providers to identify abnormalities early on, allowing for timely intervention and management. Elevated liver enzyme levels, for example, may indicate liver inflammation or damage, prompting further investigation and treatment to prevent progression to more critical conditions.

What Does the Liver Function Test Measure?

The LFT test measures various enzymes and proteins in the blood to evaluate liver health and function.

Here’s what each component typically measures:

1. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): Primarily found in the liver, ALT is a key indicator of liver damage and is especially useful in detecting hepatitis.
2. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): Found in the liver and other tissues, such as the heart and muscles, abnormal AST levels can indicate liver or muscle damage.
3. Total Bilirubin: This measures the total amount of bilirubin pigment in the blood. Bilirubin is a product of the breakdown of RBCs. Elevated levels can indicate liver dysfunction.
4. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): An enzyme associated with the bile ducts, ALP levels may rise when there’s a blockage within or outside the liver.
5. Albumin: The liver is primarily responsible for producing this protein. Measuring albumin levels can indicate how effectively the liver is synthesising this important protein.
6. Total Protein: This measures the overall protein content in the blood, including albumin and other proteins like antibodies.
7. Gamma-Glutamyl transferase (GGT): This test measures the level of the enzyme GGT in the blood. Elevated GGT levels can indicate liver disease, particularly due to alcohol abuse or bile duct obstruction.
8. A/G Ratio (Albumin to Globulins Ratio): This calculated ratio provides insight into the balance between albumin and other proteins (globulins) in the blood, which can help identify underlying causes of changes in protein levels.

What to Expect in Liver Function Test Results?

The normal value ranges of liver function test (LFT) results may differ in the laboratory. Physicians evaluate these results based on factors such as the individual’s health, gender, age, medical history, and other pertinent considerations.

As diabetes progresses, it can potentially cause liver damage. Therefore, it’s crucial for individuals with diabetes to regularly undergo liver function tests such as SGPT, GGTP, ALP, and SGOT. Regular monitoring of these liver enzymes enables early detection of any potential liver-related issues, helping prevent future complications. To book the LFT test, visit Dr Lal PathLabs today.

FAQs

1. Does a liver function test show diabetes?

No, a liver function test does not diagnose diabetes. It primarily assesses the health and function of the liver by measuring specific enzymes and proteins.

2. Does liver function affect diabetes?

Liver function can indirectly impact diabetes by affecting glucose metabolism and insulin regulation.