Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
high GGT, diabetes, and byetta
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.

high GGT, diabetes, and byetta

by PatLI, Feb 12, 2006 12:00AM
I am a long term type II diabetic.  I have taken Byetta (exanatide) for seven months. In Dec. I was very sick with upper respiratory problem and severe headaches.  Took Cipro for two weeks.  Throat is still red.  I'm allergic to penicillin and cephalosporins.  
My recent liver panel showed -- alkaline phosphatase 126, GGT 218, AST 22, ALT 55.  My fasting sugar (am only) is 161. Late day fasting is between 100-123.  
I have not recently been exposed to any Hep.  Four years ago was exposed to Hep c.  Was tested twice -- negative.
Only other unusual thing is a sense of a UTI. Tested. No problems.  I had a TVT procedure (suspending the bladder on mesh), hysterectomy leaving the ovaries (which disappeared).  Don't feel just right that way.  Docs can find no problem there.
Endo suspects fatty liver disease and wants to put my on Actos. I don't want to gain weight. I am finally at a near normal weight.   Thanks.  I am frightened by the test results.

by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 12, 2006 12:00AM
Although possible, I am not aware of elevated liver enzymes or hepatitis being associated with Byetta.  

I would consider an ultrasound to further evaluate for any anatomical abnormalities that can lead to an elevation of the liver enzymes.  

Repeating the enzymes after a period of alcohol abstinence can also be considered.  If they continue to rise, a liver biopsy can be considered for a more definitive diagnosis.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
Continue discussion
RSS Expert Activity
Prevention Gains Momentum: Your Gui... 
22 hrs ago by Lee Kirksey, MD
What You Don't Know About Breathing...
Nov 24 by Steven Y Park, MD
Thanksgiving
Nov 23 by Thomas Dock, Vet. Technician