Metabolic disorders sometimes referred to as a metabolism disorder, when the normal processes of metabolism become disrupted. Many times a metabolism disorder is inherited; these are called inborn errors of metabolism. Phenylketonuria is an example of a disorder of metabolism that is inherited.

Diabetes is a major disorder of metabolism that is common in the United States. According to the CDC, approximately 26 million Americans now have it. There are, however, many types of metabolic disorders and symptoms vary among individuals and what type of metabolism disorder they have.

 

Lipid Metabolism Disorder

 

Lipids store our energy. They are constantly built up and broken down by the body as energy is needed. They also facilitate communication between cells and provide cellular support. If a lipid is not broken down properly, lipid molecules accumulate and cause harm to the body.

Gaucher’s disease is an example of a disorder of lipid metabolism. In Gaucher’s disease, fatty material builds up in the spleen, liver, bone marrow and even kidneys. This metabolism disorder can cause swelling, lesions, and the destruction of tissues. Other types of lipid metabolism disorders include: Tay-Sachs Disease, Niemann-Pick disease, and Fabry’s disease (Ehow.com, 2011).

 

Disorder of Carbohydrate Metabolism

 

Many metabolism disorders are a result of the body not being able to absorb carbohydrates. This is called carbohydrate metabolism disorder, or a glycogen storage disease. Symptoms usually include weakness, confusion, sweating, stunted growth, and kidney stones. A biopsy is usually given for a means of diagnosis.

Treatment depends on what type of glycogen metabolic disorder you have. There are many types of glycogen storage diseases. They disease are hereditary and are caused by a lack of one of the enzymes needed to process glucose. For many types, eating small carbohydrate-fill meals helps to prevent blood sugar levels from dropping. Some people must be given uncooked cornstarch every 4-6 hours around the clock, while others must have carbohydrate solution given through a stomach tube to keep blood sugar levels from dropping at night (MerckManuals.com, 2011).

According to MerckManuals.com, types of carbohydrate metabolism disorders include:

  • Type O – affects the liver or muscle
  • Von Gierke’s disease (Type IA) – affects the liver and kidney
  • Von Gierke’s disease (Type IB) – affects the liver and white blood cells
  • Pompe’s disease (Type II) – affects all organs
  • Forbes’ disease (Type III) – affects the liver, muscle, and heart
  • Andersen’s disease (Type IV) – affects the liver, muscle, and muscle tissues
  • McArdle disease (Type V) – affects the muscles
  • Hers’ disease (Type VI) – affects the liver
  • Tarui’s disease (Type VII) -affects the skeletal muscles and red blood cells

 

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