Liver Function Test
Essential Screening for People with Diabetes
A Liver Function Test (LFT) is a group of blood tests that provide vital insights into the health and efficiency of your liver. For individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, especially those with obesity or high cholesterol, regular liver function screening is crucial due to the strong association between diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
What Does the LFT Include?
The LFT panel consists of the following components that assess different aspects of liver health:
- SGPT / ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) – Detects liver cell injury and inflammation
- SGOT / AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) – Indicates liver or muscle tissue damage
- ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) – Monitors bile duct and liver function
- Bilirubin (Total, Direct, Indirect) – Assesses bile flow and liver’s excretory role
- Albumin and Total Protein – Reflects the liver’s ability to produce proteins essential for body functions
Why Is the LFT Important for People with Diabetes?
People with Type 2 diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of developing fatty liver, or NAFLD, due to insulin resistance and metabolic imbalances. If left undetected, this can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver failure.
The liver function test for diabetes helps to:
- Detect early signs of liver damage or inflammation
- Monitor the impact of diabetes medications on liver function
- Evaluate the effect of chronic high blood sugar on liver enzymes
- Guide dietary and treatment modifications
Signs That May Suggest Liver Issues
While many liver problems are asymptomatic, individuals with diabetes should watch for the following symptoms:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Upper abdominal discomfort
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin)
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Unexplained weight loss
When Should You Get an LFT?
Routine LFT testing is recommended:
- Once a year as part of your annual diabetes health check-up
- If you have fatty liver, obesity, or high cholesterol
- When starting or changing medications that affect liver health
- If symptoms of liver dysfunction appear
Tips to Support Liver Health in Diabetes
To maintain a healthy liver:
- Keep blood sugar and cholesterol within target levels
- Follow a low-fat, liver-friendly diet
- Avoid alcohol and refined sugars
- Exercise regularly to reduce fat build-up in the liver
Book Your LFT Test at Dr. Mohan’s Today
At Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, we offer a detailed LFT test as part of our diabetes complication screening. Timely monitoring of SGPT, SGOT, and other liver markers can help you stay ahead of fatty liver disease in diabetes.