esses where the body's regular metabolic functions are interfered with. These conditions can affect a variety of bodily processes and result in a wide range of health issues.
Throughout the metabolism process food is broken down into simpler parts, such as proteins, carbs (or sugars), and lipids. Any interruption in the process can lead to a metabolic disorder.
They result from circumstances affecting the body's capacity to adequately utilize or produce vital chemicals, such as enzymes or hormones, in the environment, or as a result of lifestyle choices. While metabolic disorders are visible before birth, some symptoms may manifest later in life. They may show up in different forms such as metabolic seizures and metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic Seizures: Metabolic abnormalities that influence the electrical activity of the brain can lead to metabolic seizures, also known as metabolic epilepsy. In certain situations, abnormal concentrations of chemicals or nutrients upset the delicate balance of the brain, resulting in seizures. Convulsions, altered consciousness, or strange behaviors may be present during these seizures, which can range in severity from moderate to severe. To effectively control seizures and address the underlying metabolic problem, prompt medical intervention is essential.
Metabolic Syndrome: A group of disorders known as metabolic syndrome frequently co-occur and raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Although it is a group of disorders, metabolic syndrome is defined by a number of conditions, including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and blood sugar that is too high. Together, these elements raise the risk of cardiovascular problems and insulin resistance.
Types of Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic problems can be of different types. Some of them can be inherited, while others can be acquired throughout the course of a lifetime. In most conditions, one of the organs involved in metabolism doesn’t work correctly. A metabolic disease can frequently be resolved by treating its underlying causes.
Type 1 diabetes: In this autoimmune disorder, the immune system incorrectly targets and kills the insulin-producing pancreatic cells, preventing the pancreas from making enough insulin. Because of this, people with type 1 diabetes need to inject themselves with insulin every day in order to manage their blood sugar.
Type 2 diabetes: A metabolic disease that is far more prevalent is type 2 diabetes. The body cannot use insulin as it should in this situation. It can manifest at any age and is triggered by particular lifestyle decisions, including an improper diet.
Gestational diabetes: This is a condition that some pregnant women deal with, although it normally goes away after the baby is born. However, after gestational diabetes, the risk of type 2 diabetes may rise.
Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is a condition that prevents the body from absorbing iron. A DNA mutation, an overabundance of iron in the diet, or blood transfusions may be to blame. Additionally, it might result in an accumulation of iron, which can cause symptoms including fatigue or persistent muscle weakness, joint discomfort, stomachaches, and a darker complexion.
Mitochondrial Disorders: The term mitochondrial disorders refers to a set of conditions that prevent the mitochondria from producing enough energy for cells to function normally. Typically, a metabolic condition caused by a genetic mutation leads to them.
Causes of Metabolic Disorders
Disruptions in the body's biochemical systems are frequently the underlying causes of metabolic disorders. The usual offenders are enzyme deficits. For instance,
A lack of the enzyme hexosaminidase A causes conditions like Tay-Sachs disease, which causes an accumulation of toxic chemicals in the brain.
Another form of metabolic cause is an imbalance in the hormones. Diabetes mellitus, a well-known metabolic illness, is brought on by insufficient or inappropriate insulin use, which affects the control of blood sugar.
Organ Dysfunction
The metabolism-related organs are prone to dysfunction. For instance, diabetes can arise when the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient amounts of insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
Genetics
Metabolic illnesses that run in families typically result from genetic mutation. Mutations can occur in a gene that directs the body's metabolic activities. This genetic alteration can be inherited from parents or develop spontaneously in children.
Other causes are:
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Gout
- Sepsis
- Kidney failure
- Chest infection or respiratory failure
Also Read: The Impact of Thyroid and Insulin Hormones on Metabolism
Treatment of Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic disorders can be treated in different ways:
- Enzyme replacement treatment
- Gene therapy
- Nutritional guidance
- Surgery or prescription drugs to lessen or relieve pain
- Mineral dietary supplements
- Surgery to transplant bone marrow
- Physical exercise
- Drugs for hypoglycemia
- Vitamins as supplements
Untreated metabolic abnormalities can have serious health consequences, sometimes even life-threatening ones. Therefore, it's imperative to reduce the risk by following a personalized treatment plan under the guidance of a professional healthcare practitioner.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
