Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Support Group

Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD or Alpha-1) is a genetic disorder caused by reduced levels of alpha 1-antitrypsin in the blood. It can lead to emphysema and, in some cases, to liver disease. Symptoms of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency include shortness of breath, recurring respiratory infections, or obstructive asthma that does not respond to treatment.

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Genetic & Metabolic
/ Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Support Group

alfa1 with liver problems

rustyiron
rustyiron
Does anyone know what the symptoms are as far as digestion problems when this disease starts taking its toll on your liver. My brother died at 51 from this "lungs" but I have never smoked but for the past few years I cant eat any sugar or potatoes without being severely hung over. My blood sugar never goes over 200. Doctors are trying to tell me I am diabetic. So I am on Metformin but it does not seem to change anything. I was diagnosed a couple of years ago with a1ad, but didn't worry because I never smoked but now I can only eat salad or I will be sick like I have been poisoned. I am wondering if it could be my liver.
Thanks Dave
tillerc
tillerc
There are a lot of natural supplements out there that help with digestion. I have found systemic enzymes really help, especially if I have been on a lot of antibiotics It takes about a week to get your gut working again
Whatsauname
Whatsauname
WELCOME.I am an Alpha 1 w/lEmphysema...No issues w/.my liver. However, my brother has never been tested for Alpha 1 deficiency but developed cancer of the liver several yrs ago. Approx 7 yrs ago he recvd a Liver Gift and is also now a Lung patient ...Yes, COPD has now developed. He did become a Diabetic w/the bad liver. During that time, the docs told us that the bad liver caused the sugar problem and once the new liver functions correctly, the pancreas would "get the msg" to create insulin to handle the sugar. It took almost a yr but the sugar count has pretty much stabilized itself (hardly ever using insulin shot) At the present time, his COPD is well under control (prob stage 2 ..don't know for sure, only my guess)
Suggest you request a full liver panel blood test to see if yr liver
is causing yr digestive issues. BTW/200 a not a healthy sugar count. Hope you are seeing a Gastro Doc for these problems. Pls keep us posted re yr situation...Good Luck !!.