Recognize 5 signs of liver damage due to diabetes

Unusual fatigue, yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal swelling, dark urine, and unexplained weight loss are signs of liver damage in people with diabetes.

Loss of appetite and rapid weight loss are particularly worrying signs for people with diabetes. (Source: Pixabay)

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production or inability to use insulin effectively.

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Diabetes is generally a chronic, lifelong condition. Although it cannot be cured, it can be controlled with medication, diet, and exercise.

If not well controlled, diabetes can easily affect almost every organ in the body, including the liver, kidneys and even vision.

Here are 5 signs of liver damage due to diabetes.

Unusual fatigue

Feeling tired after a long day is normal. However, if you constantly feel exhausted, this could be one of the earliest signs of liver damage.

When the liver is damaged, it cannot effectively filter toxins from the blood. These toxins build up in the body and make you feel tired all the time, even when you are well rested.

Fatigue is more common in people with diabetes because the liver is under a lot of pressure from high blood sugar and fat buildup. If you notice persistent fatigue that doesn't improve after a good night's sleep, it could be a sign that your liver isn't working properly.

Yellow skin and eyes

Jaundice is one of the most obvious signs of liver problems. It occurs when bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down, builds up in the body.

In healthy people, the liver processes and removes bilirubin. But when the liver is damaged, it cannot process bilirubin effectively, leading to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes).

People with diabetes should see a doctor immediately if they see jaundice, as this can be a sign of serious liver dysfunction. However, it should be noted that jaundice is not only caused by diabetes, it can appear in people without diabetes, even newborns.

Abdominal pain and bloating

Pain or discomfort on the right side of your abdomen, where your liver is located, can be a sign of liver damage. When your liver is inflamed or enlarged due to fat buildup or fibrosis, you may feel a dull or sharp pain.

In more severe stages, fluid can accumulate in the abdomen, causing swelling or bloating. This condition is called ascites - a warning sign of serious liver damage or cirrhosis.

If you have diabetes and frequently feel pain in the right abdomen or notice an unusual swelling in your abdomen, you should have your liver function tested as soon as possible.

Dark urine and pale stools

Changes in the color of urine and stool are important warning signs of liver problems. When the liver is damaged, bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down, leaks into the bloodstream and is excreted in the urine, causing urine to appear darker than normal, such as brown, orange, or amber.

At the same time, the liver may produce less bile, which is what gives stool its characteristic brown color. When bile levels are low, stools may become pale or clay-like.

Both of these changes are signs that the liver is not functioning properly and should be medically evaluated as soon as they are detected.

Anorexia and unexplained weight loss

A damaged liver affects digestion and metabolism, leading to a loss of appetite. You may feel nauseous or feel full quickly, leading to eating less than usual. Over time, this can lead to unexplained weight loss and muscle weakness.

In people with diabetes, this is particularly concerning, as poor nutrition can make blood sugar control more difficult and negatively impact overall health.

You may lose weight quickly, leaving you feeling tired, weak, or exhausted even after doing light activities. You may also feel short of breath or gasp for air after simple activities.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should see a doctor to check your liver function and assess your nutritional status as soon as possible.

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Note: Article information is for reference only!

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/nhan-biet-5-dau-hieu-ton-thuong-gan-do-benh-tieu-duong-315808.html