Metabolic Disorders

Overview

Metabolic disorders are a group of conditions that co-occur, increasing the likelihood of stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Our metabolisms work by converting food into energy for bodily use. Naturally, fats, proteins and carbohydrates make up our food. However, your body can decide to use the energy immediately or store it in the muscles, liver and body fat.

A metabolic disorder affects this delicate process. As a result, you will lack certain substances that you need to thrive.

 

Types of metabolic diseases

  • Hypertension
    Hypertension occurs when your blood pressure rises abnormally. Blood within the blood vessels rises uncontrollably. High blood pressure may be 140/90 mmHg or above and can be detrimental if not treated early. Most people are unaware they have high blood pressure because the symptoms do not develop until much later once the condition has progressed. When they do arise, typical symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, trouble breathing, vomiting, dizziness and anxiety.
  • Diabetes mellitus
    Diabetes mellitus is the inability to produce or utilise insulin effectively. Due to the insufficiency of insulin, blood glucose levels rise uncontrollably. A majority of diabetes types are chronic, which means the condition needs to be managed through regular health and blood sugar checks.
  • Dyslipidemia
    Dyslipidemia occurs when blood lipid levels rise or drop considerably. Blood lipids are fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides present in the blood. Different forms of dyslipidemia exist, such as low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), high triglyceride levels and obscenely high cholesterol.
  • Obesity
    Obesity occurs due to increased body weight and excessive fat. Unfortunately, obesity increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and cancer.
 

Treatment 

Simple, non-surgical treatment methods include healthy eating, exercising and losing extra body fat. For example, at least thirty minutes of daily exercise can help you manage your weight optimally. For high cholesterol, doctors normally prescribe statins to reduce high LDL levels by hindering cholesterol secretion in the liver. In contrast, treatment for diabetes includes taking insulin or alternative diabetes medications, depending on the type of diabetes you have. 

Treatment for hypertension involves reducing your salt intake, exercising and implementing a healthy heart diet. Your doctor may prescribe a combination of diuretics and blood pressure medications.

FAQ

  1. Is there a trigger for metabolic syndrome?
    Obesity is the main trigger for metabolic syndrome.

  1. Is a metabolic disorder permanent?
    Unfortunately, a metabolic disorder is irreversible. Your doctor can help manage your symptoms, but the condition cannot be cured.

  1. Does a metabolic disorder affect a specific organ?
    A metabolic disorder affects the liver, pancreas and cardiovascular system.