Elevated Glucose and Liver Enzymes

One of the primary jobs of the liver is to break down and process carbohydrates in blood glucose. According to MayoClinic.com, elevated liver enzymes may be indicative of inflammation and damage to liver cells, which can be linked to a variety of other health conditions. For best results, ask your doctor for a blood test to determine your current level of liver enzymes.

Relationship

Liver cells that become inflamed or injured leak higher quantities of chemicals into the bloodstream, such as the alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase liver enzymes. Since glucose management is one of the key functions of the liver, damage or inflammation of the liver cells is likely to cause spikes and dips in blood glucose levels that may negatively impact your insulin levels. In addition to feeling hyper, dizzy and energetic, elevated glucose can cause prolonged stress on your nervous system due to the constant release of concentrated sugars into the blood.

Glucose and Liver Enzymes

When a healthy liver receives a large amount of carbohydrates, it stores the excess blood glucose in muscle deposits called glycogen. When your blood sugar levels begin to drop, your liver and pancreas release the glycogen and revert it back to glucose for immediate energy for your muscles, brain and organs. If you have been diagnosed with elevated liver enzymes, you may experience erratic spikes in glucose caused by the random processing of unneeded glycogen deposits. Unfortunately, this can also result in stark drops in glucose, resulting in symptoms of hypoglycemia such as headaches, drowsiness and weakness. In order to regulate your blood sugar levels, you may need to receive a diagnosis of your liver condition from a medical professional and follow a recommended treatment under doctor supervision.

Studies

According to a study published in a 2008 issue of the “Journal of the American Board of Family Medication,” undiagnosed diabetes and impaired fasting glucose have a significant effect on your liver function. The study found that individuals with undiagnosed diabetes were twice as likely to exhibit elevated quantities of the liver enzyme called alanine transaminase. In similar fashion, conditions of impaired fasting glucose were linked with higher occurrences of the liver enzyme gammaglutamyl transaminase. The consistent relationship between elevated liver enzymes and blood sugar issues may suggest that liver complications may be a contributor to some diabetic and hyperglycemic patients.

Safety Concerns

Elevated liver enzymes may be a symptom of a more serious condition, and should be examined and treated under the supervision of a medical professional. Try avoiding high glycemic foods such as soft drinks, candy, white bread and other simply carbohydrates that may aggravate your high glucose levels.