What is the normal range of SGPT and SGOT?

SGPT (ALT): 7–56 U/L and SGOT (AST): 8–48 U/L. Ranges may slightly vary depending on the lab.

Is fasting required before a liver enzyme test?

Fasting is not always required. Follow your doctor's or diagnostic lab’s instructions.

Which tests should I take for a complete liver check-up?

A full Liver Function Test (LFT) is ideal. It includes SGPT, SGOT, Bilirubin, ALP, GGT, and proteins like Albumin.

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Published on: May 21, 2025
4 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

Liver Enzymes Test Explained – What SGPT/SGOT Mean

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The liver is one of the most important organs in your body. It performs hundreds of functions, including filtering toxins, producing bile, and supporting digestion and metabolism. When your liver is under stress or not functioning properly, certain enzymes in your blood can increase. Two of the most common enzymes tested are SGPT (ALT) and SGOT (AST). In this blog, we will break down what these enzymes mean, why your doctor might suggest this test, and what the results indicate.

What is a Liver Enzymes Test?

A liver enzymes test is a type of blood test used to evaluate the health of your liver. It measures specific proteins (called enzymes) that the liver releases into your blood. When liver cells are damaged, these enzymes leak into your bloodstream. The most commonly tested liver enzymes are:

SGPT (ALT) – Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase
SGOT (AST) – Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase

Why Do Doctors Recommend a Liver Enzymes Test?

Your doctor may ask for a liver enzymes test if you show symptoms of liver problems or are at risk due to lifestyle or existing health conditions. Some common reasons include:

Fatigue or weakness
Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
Abdominal pain or swelling
Dark urine or pale stools
Alcohol consumption
Hepatitis (A, B, or C)
Obesity or fatty liver
Long-term medication usage
Diabetes or high cholesterol

What is SGPT (ALT)?

SGPT, also known as ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase), is an enzyme mainly found in the liver. It plays a role in converting proteins into energy for liver cells. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, SGPT leaks into the bloodstream.

Normal SGPT Levels:

For men: 7 to 56 units per liter of blood
For women: 7 to 45 units per liter

What Does High SGPT Mean?

High SGPT levels may indicate:

Liver inflammation (Hepatitis)
Fatty liver disease
Alcohol-related liver damage
Liver infection or injury
Side effects of medications
Obesity-related liver stress

Sometimes, even intense physical activity or certain supplements can temporarily raise SGPT levels.

What is SGOT (AST)?

SGOT, also known as AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), is an enzyme found not just in the liver, but also in the heart, kidneys, muscles, and brain. So, while it can point to liver damage, it may also indicate problems in other organs.

Normal SGOT Levels:

For men: 8 to 48 units per liter of blood
For women: 8 to 43 units per liter

What Does High SGOT Mean?

High SGOT levels may be due to:

Liver damage or cirrhosis
Heart disease or recent heart attack
Muscle injuries
Pancreatitis
Alcohol abuse
Use of certain drugs or supplements

If both SGPT and SGOT are elevated, it’s more likely to be a liver-related issue.

SGPT vs SGOT – What's the Difference?

Feature	SGPT (ALT)	SGOT (AST)
Location	Mainly in the liver	Liver, heart, kidneys, muscles, brain
Specificity	More liver-specific	Less liver-specific
Indicates	Liver damage	Liver, heart, or muscle damage
Normal Range	7–56 U/L	8–48 U/L

Conclusion: If only SGPT is high, it's more likely to be liver-specific. If both are high, the doctor may run further tests.

Other Liver Tests Often Done Together

To get a full picture of liver health, doctors may also recommend:

ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) – Linked to bile ducts
GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) – Linked to alcohol use or bile problems
Bilirubin – Indicates liver’s ability to process waste
Albumin and Total Protein – Reflects liver's protein production
PT/INR – Measures blood clotting, another liver function

What to Do if SGPT/SGOT Are High?

If your test results show high liver enzymes, don’t panic. A one-time elevation doesn’t always mean serious disease. Here's what you should do:

1. Follow-Up Testing

Your doctor may repeat the test after a few weeks or recommend imaging (ultrasound/CT scan) to check for liver fat, fibrosis, or tumors.

2. Lifestyle Changes

Avoid alcohol completely
Maintain a healthy diet (low-fat, high-fiber)
Exercise regularly
Control blood sugar and cholesterol
Stay hydrated

3. Review Medications

Some over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol, or supplements like bodybuilding products, can raise liver enzymes.

4. Monitor Regularly

If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, high cholesterol, or obesity, make liver function tests part of your routine health checks.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
Severe abdominal pain
Swelling in legs or abdomen
Confusion or mood changes
Dark-colored urine or light-colored stools

These signs may indicate serious liver issues and need immediate attention.

Final Thoughts

The liver is a silent warrior – it works 24/7 and rarely complains until it's seriously damaged. That’s why regular check-ups, especially liver enzyme tests, are essential for early detection and prevention.

Understanding your SGPT and SGOT levels can give you valuable insights into your liver’s health. Whether you’re dealing with symptoms, managing a chronic condition, or just doing a preventive health check, this simple blood test can help you stay one step ahead.

Call to Action

Worried about your liver health? Book a full liver function test online today and get your results from the comfort of your home. Know your SGPT and SGOT levels now – because your health can’t wait.

Liver Enzymes Test Explained – What SGPT/SGOT Mean – Book Now on SecondMedic.com!

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Read FAQs

A. It helps diagnose liver diseases, monitor liver health, and assess the impact of medications, alcohol, or infections on the liver.

A. SGPT (ALT): 7–56 U/L SGOT (AST): 8–48 U/L Ranges may vary slightly based on labs.

A. Elevated levels may indicate liver inflammation, fatty liver, hepatitis, alcohol-related damage, or side effects from medications.

A. Fasting is not always required, but it's best to follow your doctor’s or lab’s instructions.

A. A Liver Function Test (LFT), which includes SGPT, SGOT, Bilirubin, ALP, GGT, Albumin, and Total Protein, is recommended.

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Is Frequent Urination Always a Sign of Diabetes?

We all need to use the restroom multiple times a day, but what if you're going too often? If you're constantly rushing to the toilet, especially at night, you may start to wonder: Is frequent urination always a sign of diabetes?

The answer is not so simple. While frequent urination (also known as polyuria) is a classic symptom of diabetes, it can also happen due to several other health and lifestyle factors. This article breaks it down for you in easy language.

What Is Frequent Urination?

Frequent urination means needing to pass urine more than 7–8 times a day, or waking up more than once at night to urinate. If this becomes regular and disrupts your daily life or sleep, it's worth paying attention to.

The Link Between Diabetes and Frequent Urination

Yes, diabetes can cause frequent urination. But here’s how it works:

In people with high blood sugar, the kidneys try to flush out the excess glucose through urine.
As glucose leaves the body, it pulls extra water with it.
This causes more urine production, leading to frequent urination.

This is often one of the first signs of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, especially when accompanied by:

Extreme thirst
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Blurry vision

Is Frequent Urination Always a Sign of Diabetes?

No, not always. While it can be an early symptom of diabetes, frequent urination has many other causes, both harmless and serious.

Other Common Causes of Frequent Urination

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTIs are especially common in women and can make you feel like you have to urinate all the time, even if little comes out. It may also cause:

Burning sensation
Lower belly pain
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

2. High Fluid Intake

Drinking too much water, tea, or caffeine can increase urine output. This includes energy drinks, green tea, and alcohol.

3. Overactive Bladder (OAB)

A condition where the bladder muscles contract too often. Symptoms include:

Sudden urge to urinate
Involuntary urine leakage
Night-time urination

4. Pregnancy

Hormonal changes and pressure from the growing uterus can increase urination frequency.

5. Diuretics (Water Pills)

These are medications given for high blood pressure or heart conditions that help the body get rid of excess fluid.

6. Stress and Anxiety

Some people urinate more often when they're nervous or anxious. It’s a part of the body’s fight-or-flight response.

7. Prostate Problems (in men)

An enlarged prostate can press against the urethra, making it hard to empty the bladder completely.

8. Interstitial Cystitis

A chronic condition causing bladder pain and frequent urination, often mistaken for a UTI.

When to See a Doctor

Frequent urination can be harmless or a warning sign. See your doctor if you have:

Sudden increase in urination without change in fluid intake
Excessive thirst or hunger
Pain or burning while urinating
Blood in urine
Sleep disturbances due to urination
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue or blurred vision

These could point to diabetes or another medical issue needing attention.

Useful Lab Tests (Available via SecondMedic & Thyrocare)

To rule out diabetes or urinary problems, the following tests are recommended:

1. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) & Postprandial (PPBS)

Checks blood sugar levels in fasting and after eating.

2. HbA1c Test

Shows average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months.

3. Urine Routine & Microscopy

Detects infections, blood, sugar, or protein in urine.

4. Kidney Function Test (KFT)

Checks how well your kidneys are working.

These tests are affordable and available via SecondMedic with Thyrocare’s home sample collection.

Tips to Manage Frequent Urination

Limit caffeine, alcohol, and fluid intake close to bedtime.
Practice bladder training—gradually increase time between bathroom visits.
Do Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles (especially useful for women).
Maintain a healthy weight.
Manage stress and anxiety.
Follow up with regular blood sugar checks if you're at risk of diabetes.

Conclusion

Frequent urination can be frustrating—but it's not always caused by diabetes. It could be due to many different reasons, from harmless habits to treatable health conditions.

If you’re concerned about how often you're urinating, don’t guess—get tested. It’s the only way to know whether it’s diabetes or something else.

So to answer your question:
Is frequent urination always a sign of diabetes?
No, but it's one of the most important causes to rule out—so book your tests and consult a doctor today.

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