GIlberts Basics
Hey! this is Gilbert's Basics, where i run you newbies through what Gilberts Syndrome ACUTALLY is
What is Gilberts Syndrome?
Gilbert’s Syndrome (sometimes called Gilbert’s disease or constitutional hepatic dysfunction) is a fairly common inherited condition. It affects how the liver processes a substance called bilirubin — a yellow pigment made when your body breaks down red blood cells.
The science-y part: it’s usually passed down in an autosomal recessive way, which means you typically need to inherit a changed gene from both parents to develop the condition.
Because it’s genetic, there’s no “cure.” But don’t worry — My management tips are on this website!
The Role of the UGT1A1 Enzyme
Your liver has a special enzyme called UGT1A1. Its main job is to change bilirubin into a form that can be safely removed from your body.
In Gilbert’s Syndrome, the UGT1A1 enzyme works at about 70–80% less efficiency than normal because of a genetic change. That means bilirubin isn’t processed as quickly, so it can build up in the blood and sometimes cause symptoms.
But bilirubin isn’t the only thing UGT1A1 helps with — this enzyme also plays a role in detoxifying certain hormones, medications and toxins. That’s why Gilbert’s Syndrome can sometimes influence how your body reacts to stress, drugs, or illness..
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What is Bilirubin?
Bilirubin is a yellowish substance that forms when your body breaks down old red blood cells. Normally, your liver helps process bilirubin so it can leave your body through bile (a fluid that also helps digest fats) and eventually gets excreted in stool.
When bilirubin builds up in the blood, it can cause the skin and eyes to look yellowish — a condition known as jaundice. This is why bilirubin is so central to understanding Gilbert’s Syndrome.Wpisz swój tekst tutaj...
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Is Gilbert’s Syndrome Benign?
Gilbert’s Syndrome is often described as a benign condition because it doesn’t damage the liver or shorten life expectancy.
However, calling it “benign” can be misleading. Many people with Gilbert’s do experience symptoms, and while these can be managed, they are still real and can affect daily life.
So, while the condition isn’t medically dangerous, it isn’t always “easy” either — and it deserves to be taken seriously.
How is Gilberts Syndrome Diagnosed?
Most people find out they have Gilbert’s Syndrome during a routine blood test, which shows mildly elevated bilirubin levels.
To confirm the diagnosis, genetic testing can check for changes in the UGT1A1 gene.
If you have done any Genetic packets like 23 And me, you can ask for the raw data and find out if you have Gilberts Syndrome through that!
Here are some of my Gilberts Syndrome Genes!
Distinguishing Gilbert's Syndrome from Other Conditions
Whilst Gilberts syndrome is the most common affecting 1 in 20 people, there are many other conditions that can cause raised bilirubin levels, such as:
Hemolytic anemias (sickle cell, spherocytosis, G6PD deficiency)
Crigler-Najjar syndrome (more severe enzyme deficiency)
Dubin-Johnson syndrome
Rotor syndrome
Asking for Genetic testing is important to get an accurate diagnose.
Bilirubin step-by-step
Bilirubin is a substance that comes from the natural breakdown of old red blood cells. When red cells reach the end of their life, they’re broken down mainly in the spleen, and part of their hemoglobin is converted into bilirubin. At first, this bilirubin is not water-soluble, so it travels through the blood attached to a protein called albumin.
Once it reaches the liver, bilirubin is processed by a key enzyme called UGT1A1 (short for UDP-glucuronosyltransferase). This enzyme’s job is to attach a sugar molecule to bilirubin, making it water-soluble. In this form, known as conjugated bilirubin, the liver can safely send it out in bile — a yellow-green fluid that not only helps us digest fats but also carries away waste products like cholesterol and bilirubin. Bile flows into the intestines, where the process continues.
In the gut, friendly bacteria transform bilirubin into new substances. Most of it becomes stercobilin, which gives stool its normal brown color. A smaller amount turns into urobilin, which is absorbed back into the blood and later leaves the body in urine, giving it its yellow color.
Are people with Gilberts Syndrome more susceptible to other things?
in short YES- check out in susceptability
Is Gilberts Syndrome a Super power?
Now i KNOW this sounds crazy but HEAR. ME. OUT.
Bilirubin- the substance that people with Gilberts Syndrome have to much of- can actually be protective. Chronically elevated Bilirubin can protect from things like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and certain cancers, along with lower all-cause mortality rates. So even though Gilberts Syndrome is sometimes a pain, we are actually all superheroes XD