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Suggest Treatment For Elevated ALT Levels
Question: I have diabetes (about 150 - 180 fasting levels, BUN - 30). I have been a heavy wine drinker for the last 2 - 3 years, though I quit about 3 weeks ago. My triglyceride levels are normal, AST level came back at 63, ALT at 117. I'm very worried about my ALT levels. What does it mean and what can I do to lower this level? By the way, I'm female, 67 y/o.
Brief Answer:
ALT/ Diabetes
Detailed Answer:
I understand your concerns.
When I see a patient like you in my practice, in addition to a through physical examination I tend to order the following blood tests:
CBC
Albumin
Calcium
HbA1c
Urine Albumin to Creatinine ratio
Hepatitis profile
Full liver and kidney function tests (GGT, Bilirubin - total and direct, Creatinine, Bicarbonate, Electrolytes)
TSH
There are couple other not so uncommon conditions that need to be evaluated for before attributing the ALT /AST elevations to alcohol.
One is chronic hepatitis and the other is cholestasis. This refers to obstruction of the bile flow in the liver or somewhere in it's normal path that puts back pressure on liver cells.
The above tests help determine this.
Furthermore, a condition called Fatty liver is often associated with diabetes/obesity. However to make that diagnosis, significant alcohol consumption must be ruled out. Sometimes this can be challenging to dissect out.
The glucose levels you are reporting are high. I would suggest you see an Endocrinologist in person to arrive at a focused diabetes control plan.
Gastroenterologists / Hepatologists are doctors specialized in managing liver problems such as the one who are worried about.
ALT/ Diabetes
Detailed Answer:
I understand your concerns.
When I see a patient like you in my practice, in addition to a through physical examination I tend to order the following blood tests:
CBC
Albumin
Calcium
HbA1c
Urine Albumin to Creatinine ratio
Hepatitis profile
Full liver and kidney function tests (GGT, Bilirubin - total and direct, Creatinine, Bicarbonate, Electrolytes)
TSH
There are couple other not so uncommon conditions that need to be evaluated for before attributing the ALT /AST elevations to alcohol.
One is chronic hepatitis and the other is cholestasis. This refers to obstruction of the bile flow in the liver or somewhere in it's normal path that puts back pressure on liver cells.
The above tests help determine this.
Furthermore, a condition called Fatty liver is often associated with diabetes/obesity. However to make that diagnosis, significant alcohol consumption must be ruled out. Sometimes this can be challenging to dissect out.
The glucose levels you are reporting are high. I would suggest you see an Endocrinologist in person to arrive at a focused diabetes control plan.
Gastroenterologists / Hepatologists are doctors specialized in managing liver problems such as the one who are worried about.
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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