Metabolic Disorders
Your metabolism uses chemicals to break down food you eat into sugars and acids. These sugars and acids can provide you with immediate energy, or this energy can be stored in your tissues.
Metabolic disorders damage your body by hurting your ability to get energy from food. Your metabolism is also involved in eliminating waste from your body, circulating blood and controlling body temperature.
Metabolic disorders are caused by defective genes, often inherited, that disrupt metabolism. Early diagnosis is helpful in most effectively treating a metabolic disorder.
There have been advances in the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic disorders. There are thousands of metabolic disorders with a wide array of symptoms and treatments. See your doctor with any questions about metabolic disorders.
Recently Answered
- Q What inherited metabolic disorders affect proteins?
-
Proteins contain substances known as amino acids, which the body needs for many important functions. Enzymes in the body help to break down these compounds in the food we eat so that the body can use them in the ways that it needs. In some cases, a... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What inherited metabolic disorders affect carbohydrates?
-
Carbohydrates are sugar compounds that are found in a wide variety of foods, from bread and pasta to fruits and vegetables. Enzymes in the body help to properly break down these compounds so that the body can use them in the ways that it needs to. In... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What inherited metabolic disorders affect lipids or fats?
-
Lipids, or fats, supply the body with the energy it needs to function properly. Enzymes in the body help to break down these compounds in the food we eat so that the body can use them in the ways that it needs. In some cases, a genetic defect causes... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome?
-
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy, also called complex regional pain syndrome, is an unusual neurological disease in which the nervous system malfunctions after a traumatic event, such as an accident, a fall, surgery, or even after a minor injury such as a... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is gangliosidoses?
-
The gangliosidoses are a group of inherited metabolic diseases caused by a deficiency of the different proteins needed to break down fatty substances called lipids. Excess lipid materials build up to harmful levels in the central and peripheral nervous... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How do I manage my metabolic disorder on a daily basis?
-
Depending on the type and severity of the metabolic disorder, a variety of daily treatments may help control and manage the disorder. Most people with metabolic disorders must follow a strict diet to avoid the substance that sets off their disorder. As a... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Are blood sugar levels important for acid-base metabolism disorders?
-
High and low blood sugar levels can make people more susceptible to acid-base metabolism disorders. Unmanaged diabetes can cause a buildup of acidic ketones, called diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Can children get androgen insensitivity syndrome?
-
Because androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a genetic condition, people affected by it are born with the condition and therefore have it during childhood. If children have complete AIS, they may not even know it until they start to go through... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What causes androgen insensitivity syndrome?
-
Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is caused by certain genetic mutations. The genetic mutation that causes AIS may be inherited, or it may occur spontaneously even if the parents don't have the mutation. Normally, a gene called the AR gene produces... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What is the link between metabolic syndrome and testosterone deficiency?
-
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, Integrative MedicineIn men, metabolic syndrome is often caused by testosterone deficiency. Testosterone plays an important role in glucose metabolism, and for this reason low testosterone can be a major factor in the development of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
