What happens when you have too much glycogen?
Too much glycogen and fat stored within a cell can be toxic. This buildup damages organs and tissues throughout the body, particularly the liver and kidneys, leading to the signs and symptoms of GSDI.
What are the symptoms of glycogen storage disease?
What are the symptoms of glycogen storage disease in a child?
- Not growing fast enough.
- Not feeling comfortable in hot weather (heat intolerance)
- Bruising too easily.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- An enlarged liver.
- A swollen belly.
- Weak muscles (low muscle tone)
- Muscle pain and cramping during exercise.
How do you test for glycogen storage disease?
Abdominal ultrasound – To see if your liver is enlarged. Tissue biopsy – Testing a sample of tissue from a muscle or your liver to measure the level of glycogen or enzymes present. Gene testing – To look for problems with the genes for different enzymes. Gene testing can confirm a GSD.
How do you fix glycogen storage?
To maximize muscle glycogen replenishment, it is important to consume a carbohydrate supplement as soon after exercise as possible. Consume the carbohydrate frequently, such as every 30 minutes, and provide about 1.2 to 1.5 g of carbohydrate·kg-1 body wt·h-1.
How common is glycogen storage disease?
A glycogen storage disorder occurs in about one in 20,000 to 25,000 babies. The most common types of GSD are types I, II, III, and IV, with type I being the most common. It is believed that nearly 90% of all patients with GSD have types I through IV. About 25% of patients with GSD are thought to have type I.
How does glycogen storage disease affect the body?
Glycogen storage disease (GSD) is a rare condition that changes the way the body uses and stores glycogen, a form of sugar or glucose. Glycogen is a main source of energy for the body.
Why are muscles not breaking down glycogen in McArdle disease?
In McArdle disease, your muscles can’t break down the saved up glycogen. That’s because an important substance needed for that process is missing from your muscle cells. This means your muscles can’t use the stored glycogen to get the glucose they need.
What happens when the body does not have enough glycogen?
The muscles and organs need a certain level of glucose in the blood to work properly. When the body is missing an enzyme or has a flawed enzyme and is not able to use glycogen the right way, it leads to a condition called glycogen storage disease (GSD).
Is there a cure for glycogen storage disease?
Treatment of glycogen storage disease Currently, there is no cure for GSD. Treatment will vary depending on what type of GSD your child has; however, the overall goal is to maintain the proper level of glucose in the blood so cells have the fuel they need to prevent long-term complications.