Liver disease and diabetes

[MississaugaLiver]

It’s been 16 months since hubby was diagnosed with cirrhosis. No booze since that day. He was always a healthy eater and exercised daily. His LFTs have all returned to normal for a few months now. Just got back his latest bloods and he’s having issues with hemoglobin and blood sugar. Any one else end up with type 2 diabetes after liver disease diagnosis? This guy can’t get a break. He’s never been overweight. Biggest he’s ever been is 145lbs (65kg) at 5’8”. I think right now he’s about 135.

[AyrshireK]

My hubby (with cirrhosis) was told he has borderline diabetes last year - he too carries no excess weight, doesn't pig out on sugars or anything but it's a known fact that about 30% of patients with cirrhosis go on to develop diabetes mellitus (DM). DM, which develops as a complication of cirrhosis, is known as “hepatogenous diabetes".

There is lots of information on line about hepatogenous diabetes and you should get help from a liver specialist dietician as to how to manage it especially as your hubby should be fuelling for his cirrhosis.

When my hubby got diagnosed with the diabetes last year he got a stupid leaflet from GP about having to loose weight (nope ........ just had to put it on due to cirrhosis), stopping smoking (never has), stopping drinking (never has) and exercising more. Just a general everyday leaflet.

We got in touch with liver specialist dietician and she gave us an almost 30 minute phone consultation as to how to look after both the cirrhosis diet and the diabetes. Blood sugars have been fine since or that stupid phrase ......... satisfactory.

Katie

[MississaugaLiver in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you

[Yellowsydney]

When diagnosed with NASH my consultant bet me I would get diabetes and sure enough few months later blood test said diabetic, very low hba1c level and diet controlled until after my transplant when steroids and anti rejection drugs cause high sugar levels. It's never bothered me, I don't get any symptoms just take a pill everyday and watch what I eat.Good luck

Hilary