Cirrhosis Support Group

A few months ago my husband's reg. MD suggested he get a glucose meter. He has been feeling shaky off and on. Recently his readings have been high and low 200's to 80. The doc thinks it the liver hot be able to process his sugar properly. He doesn't think its diabetes, but is referring him to an endocrinologist. Has anyone experienced this with Hep C / Cirrhosis? Will diet help control?

Your doctor is 100% correct, the liver can mess with your glucose levels and can easily turn it into diabetes.

Diet and exercise would definetly help.

Welcome to the group!!!

Sammy

That's what I am afraid of. It turning into Diabetes. We have been dealing with so many complications already. This possibility really scares me.

I had to cut out all processed sugars from my diet, per my Hepa, so that my liver didn't have to work so hard and we could avoid the complication, if possible. I still have a little sugar, in foods but the chocolate is gone!

My glucose levels haven't been too bad (except for one year), but a few years ago I was suddenly unable to eat any chocolate without getting really "bilious" (my old granddad's term for severe gas). None of my doctors could explain this, particularly the fact that the problem is sporadic; some days I would eat chocolate with no problems, and then a day later the outcome would be dreadful.

My Hubby was told to be on a Diabetic Diet and a Liver/Cirrhosis Diet - they compete! High carbs so we watch the other sugars. He eats pbretty much natural -lots of fruits and veggys but not junk (much anyway). Lately it's been a lot of watermelon - yum! He's almost gone full vegetarian. He only eats meat maybe twice a week. Protein has been coming from eggs.

Good Luck....

Happy Thoughts!

I'm afraid Diabetes is a common complication of Cirrhosis.

Walking helps alot even short periods can lower the BS.

The endo will help with most of your questions (everybody is different and his condition may require different treatment) Do ask for a referral to a dietitian they can really help with meal planning. Get a Book that list carbs. Calorie King has a really good one.

booky

Watermelon is my favorite also (Ice cold) I've also found I crave raw fruits and veggies now.I can pretty much live with out meats.

Wow all this information and timing too. My doc. keeps track of the A1-c. and mine has sat right on the edge since I was diagnosed in sept. 2010. The last blood test it went just a little over, so I'm wondering if I'm diabetic now. I'll ask the doc. this afternoon.

I'll have to get more serious about eating like a Vegan.

Paul

Thank you all for the helpful advise. I found a low glycemic peanut butter called Fifty 50 with no added sugar. He seems to like it ok He eats this as snack a lot. Thanks, Gail I will ask again for a referral for a dietitian.

Hello,

My husband started out with diabetes in 2003, then fatty liver to non-alcholic cirrhosis. I have not seen his levels go back down to 130 or 140 for quite awhile. I am doing well with his diet. Occassionally I catch him getting a cookie, sip of Pepsi - but I take them away. I have seen my husband at a low of 66 pretty scary. All he wanted to do was lay on the floor and sleep. I kept him awake and it was a trip to ER with 911 called. With his liver condition, he is on latulose and Xifaxin, plus other meds. Glipizide for diabetes. Was on Metformin - found out bad for liver. It is amazing we caregivers have to be advocates for our loved ones. I am amazed at how some doctors do not talk to each other when now everything should be on EMR (electronic/computer medical records) I took a class in Medical Coding and they said that everyone has to be on this method by 2013. Sorry for the TMI (too much information). A lot of other things are going on with him, mistakes in our bank accounts, dreams that seem real to him, he is angry at me for hurting him to tell his doctor about his driving capability. We just got word he is suspended license due to his medical condition. Sorry if I am just rambling. Hope this helps. His BS levels are going all over - 278 and his low has been 164.