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Liver function test

DnB

DnB

Member
Messages
10
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi, today I received a call from a doctor at my surgery. She asked to speak to me and asked me to confirm I was diabetic, which I did. She then asked me to come to the surgery to provide a sample asap as there's a new government directive regarding side effects of diabetic medication. The sample is for a liver function test. I asked what medication it is regarding and she replied "I don't know, I'm not a clinician ".
Since I only take metformin for diabetes I can only assume it's for this.
Has anyone else had this, or are aware of this?
Thanks.
 
It could well be you haven't been having the annual (at least annual) liver function tests that we are supposed to have. Every time we have an HbA1c test we should also have the liver and kidney function tests, cholesterol and lipids, and full blood counts.

Metformin works on the liver and can in some people cause some disruption, so this is why your doctor wants you to have a test. It isn't a new directive as far as I know, it has been in force a while. I have certainly had these tests with every HbA1c and I'm not even on Metformin.
 
I have always had the test as part of my hba1c too, the doctor said it has been in the last 3 months that the urine test has been requested. I have a blood test form here and am going to have the test next week. I told her this and she said to come in tomorrow and provide a sample, which they will send off immediately.
I explained I was on night shift this week and it would be preferable to come in next week but she insisted I come tomorrow. I haven't even got an appointment, just turn up, sample and go.
 
Ok, spoke to diabetic nurse and not too sure what the doctor was on about but apparently if you are on metformin you should have a urine test each year. Considering I have been on metformin for 3 years now and have never been requested to provide a sample, I'd say it's pretty bad performance on their part...
 
DnB said:
Ok, spoke to diabetic nurse and not too sure what the doctor was on about but apparently if you are on metformin you should have a urine test each year. Considering I have been on metformin for 3 years now and have never been requested to provide a sample, I'd say it's pretty bad performance on their part...
Click to expand...

I have to give a urine sample every year on my diabetic review with my nurse, and this is sent off for analysis. This has been the case since diagnosis over 3 years ago. I know nothing about any new guidelines, but will take your doctor's word for it.
 
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