Ultrasound on a liver? What are they looking for?

Question

My husband (who was recently diagnosed with diabetes) was just called by his doctor asking him to come in for an ultrasound of his liver. What are they looking for? Do all people diagnosed with diabetes have to have their liver ultrasound-ed? What will be the worst news we can expect? I just want to be prepared...

Answer 1

I don't know if everyone has this but I did when I was diagnosed. At the time of diagnosis they run all manner of blood tests (they are trying to find out what's wrong with you) and one test came back that indicated I had elevated liver enzymes. When they did the ultrasound they told me that they were checking for "fatty liver" or basically a build up of fat in the liver. While not dangerous in itself, but sometimes this can lead to imflamation and this can cause liver damage.

At this point, I would not be concerned. You and your husband have so much to learn right now with the diabetes and doing these tests are necessary to find out where your husband's starting point is.

Please check back with us when you have questions in the future. Meanwhile you can learn more about fatty liver at:
http://www.liverfoundation.org/education/info/fattyliver/

Answer 2

diabetes can impact every organ of the body in a negative fashion. I suspect the doctor found some abnormal liver function tests in a blood work up and wants to follow up on those tests. An ultrasound will show whether or not the liver is enlarged and whether or not there are any masses or solidifications of the liver, this will help the doctor determine necessary treatment. Don't try putting the cart before the horse, wait for test results before you go looking for trouble.

Answer 3

My doctor did an ultra sound on my liver looking for what they call "fatty liver". It is a condition where the liver begins to store fat. I was also just diagnosed with diabetes.

Answer 4

Diabetes is associated with some types of liver disease. For example, poorly controlled blood sugar can increase your risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which cause scarring of the liver. Also, some medications used to treat complications of diabetes may cause liver damage. Alternately, some types of liver disease increase the risk of diabetes. So they may be looking to see if another disease or disorder is contributing to his diabetes. The liver is the organ responsible for converting glucose to glycogen, which requires insulin. Diabetics do not produce a sufficient amount of glucose to do so. So, it is all related and standard for this test to be done, especially on a new diabetic. Best of luck to you both.

Answer 5

Not all people diagnosed have this. The blood test probably came back irregular. They're seeing if the liver is inflamed or otherwise abnormal. Worst news, his liver is shot and he'll need a transplant or some other procedure.

Answer 6

They are performed to assess the dimensions, form, and function of the liver. Also to examine jaundice and different disorders of the liver, adding liver lots, cirrhosis, fats deposits within the liver (known as fatty liver), or irregular liver position exams. Your husband's are living is undoubtedly having toruble and he will have to customarily have blood paintings performed and checked for hepititus.

Answer 7

i would think that they are just checking on his liver size. with diabetes they want to make sure things are OK. i would do it and thank god the doctor is taking care of him.

Answer 8

maybe the doctor is looking for scar, ulcers and even inflamation

Answer 9

Please don't worry, they're just checking the condition of the liver.