Alcoholic Liver Disease Alcohol That Damages The Liver

Do you drink alcohol? You need to know how alcohol may silently damage your liver.

People might consider themselves as asocial drinker but studies have shown that even a single drink in a day is going to be harmful to your health. Consuming no alcohol in a day minimizes the overall risk of health loss. To be more specific, adults who consumed a single alcoholic beverage in a day increase their risk of around 23 health problems caused by alcohol.

Alcohol is the most common cause of liver cirrhosis in most parts of the world. Alcohol-related liver injury passes through three distinct clinical phases such as acute fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis. In a given patient these may occur in varying combinations. Acute fatty change in alcohol abuse may progress to cirrhosis in 20% of patients. Alcoholic hepatitis develops only in a small proportion of patients after decades of abuse. This condition may progress to cirrhosis. Once cirrhosis develops it is irreversible and progresses at the rate of 10% annum if there is no further insult. Liver cancer can develop in 20% of these cirrhotic.

Alcoholic fatty liver disease

Fatty change occurs after the consumption of large amounts of alcohol over a short period of time. The liver tests and clinical liver swelling returns to normal after abstaining from alcohol. The fat clearance from the liver takes place in 2–6 weeks. With continued abuse of alcohol, this may progress to hepatitis and cirrhosis. Fatty change may persist in some after abstaining from alcohol when they have obesity, diabetes, or pancreatitis.

Alcoholic Hepatitis

This is a state with a wide spectrum of presentations ranging from mild swelling of the liver to severe jaundice, fluid in the abdomen including hepatic coma. The symptoms include lethargy, anorexia, fatigue, vague abdominal pain, and rarely jaundice. Women tend to have a more florid illness. Approximately 50% may have a fluid collection in the abdomen. The bleeding tendency may manifest as easy bruising of the skin. Blood tests will reveal a rise in liver enzymes, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase. Low hemoglobin and high white cell counts are common. In the more severely ill, the platelet count will be low and the prothrombin time will be elevated and incompletely corrected with treatment.

Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis

This is end-stage of alcohol-induced liver disease and many patients will need liver transplantation.

Dr. Rakesh Rai. MS, FRCS, MD, CCST, ASTS Fellow (USA).

Senior Consultant HPB & Transplant Surgery

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Early Diagnosis of Diabetes: How HbA1c Tests Can Save Lives

Diabetes has become a global health concern, with millions of individuals affected worldwide. Early detection is vital in managing diabetes and preventing long-term complications. Among the various diagnostic tools available, the HbA1c test stands out as a crucial method for identifying and monitoring diabetes. This blog will explore the HbA1c test for diabetes, its procedure, cost, interpretation, and benefits, along with why it’s essential for early diagnosis.

What is an HbA1c Test?

The HbA1c test, also known as the glycated haemoglobin test, measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Unlike a fasting glucose test, it provides a broader view of blood sugar management, making it an effective tool for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.

The importance of the HbA1c test in early diabetes detection cannot be overstated. It not only helps diagnose diabetes but also identifies prediabetes, enabling early intervention to prevent the progression of the disease.

How HbA1c Levels Indicate Prediabetes

An HbA1c result between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes, while a level of 6.5% or higher confirms diabetes. Understanding how HbA1c levels indicate prediabetes is crucial, as early identification allows for lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

For non-diabetic adults, the normal HbA1c range is below 5.7%. Keeping your levels within this range is a marker of good metabolic health.

HbA1c Test Procedure and What to Expect

The HbA1c test procedure is simple and minimally invasive. Here’s what to expect:

Blood Sample Collection: A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm or through a finger prick.
Laboratory Analysis: The sample is sent to a lab where the haemoglobin’s glycated percentage is measured.
Quick Results: Many labs provide results within a day, ensuring timely diagnosis.

Patients undergoing the test need not fast, making it more convenient compared to other blood sugar tests.

HbA1c Test Cost

The HbA1c test cost varies depending on your location and the healthcare provider. On average, it ranges between 500 and 2000. Some insurance plans may cover the cost, especially if recommended by a physician. For individuals without insurance, some community health centres offer discounted rates to ensure accessibility.

HbA1c Test Interpretation

Understanding HbA1c test interpretation is key to effective diabetes management. Here’s a breakdown:

Below 5.7%: Normal range for non-diabetic adults.
5.7% - 6.4%: Prediabetes. A wake-up call for lifestyle changes.
6.5% or Higher: Diabetes. Immediate medical attention and treatment are required.

Interpreting the results in the context of other health markers ensures a comprehensive approach to diabetes care.

Benefits of Early Diabetes Screening with HbA1c

The benefits of early diabetes screening with HbA1c are numerous:

Prevention of Complications: Early detection allows for interventions that prevent serious complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and vision loss.
Better Blood Sugar Management: Regular monitoring through HbA1c tests helps in adjusting treatments and maintaining optimal blood sugar levels.
Convenience: Unlike fasting tests, the HbA1c test can be performed at any time of the day.
Long-term Insights: By reflecting blood sugar levels over a prolonged period, the test provides a clearer picture of metabolic health.

Why Regular Testing Matters

For individuals at risk of diabetes, such as those with a family history or obesity, regular HbA1c testing is critical. It enables healthcare providers to track trends in blood sugar levels and recommend timely interventions. Additionally, the test is instrumental in tailoring personalized treatment plans for diabetic patients.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis of diabetes through HbA1c tests can be life-saving. From understanding the HbA1c test procedure to interpreting its results, this diagnostic tool offers a comprehensive solution for detecting and managing diabetes. With the growing prevalence of diabetes worldwide, the importance of the HbA1c test in early diabetes detection cannot be overstated.

At Second Medic, we prioritize your health by offering reliable lab testing services, including HbA1c tests. If you suspect you’re at risk or simply want to stay proactive about your health, book an HbA1c test today and take the first step toward a healthier future.