Glucose-galactose malabsorption

Glucose Galactose Malabsorption is characterized by the tiny intestine's inability to transport and soak up glucose and galactose (easy sugars or monosaccharides).Glucose and galactose have very alike chemical structures, and normally the equal transport enzyme provides them with entry into specialized cells in the small intestine where they are absorbed and transferred to other cells. As a result of a mutation on chromosome 22, the transport enzyme does not function properly and the result is glucose-galactose malabsorption.

GGM is characterized by harsh diarrhea and dehydration as premature as the first day of life and can consequence in express death if lactose (milk sugar), sucrose (table sugar), glucose, and galactose are not removed from the diet. Some affected children are better able to tolerate glucose and galactose as they get older. Small amounts of glucose in the urine (mild glucosuria) may occur intermittently in this disorder. Affected individuals may also develop kidney stones or more extensive deposits of calcium within the kidneys. Glucose-galactose malabsorption is a rare disorder; only a few hundred cases have been identified worldwide.

As lots of as 10 percent of the population may have a fairly reduced capacity for glucose absorption without connected health problems. This condition may be a milder variation of glucose-galactose malabsorption. Most frequently, the parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but do not show signs and symptoms of the condition. In some cases, individuals with one altered gene have reduced levels of glucose absorption capacity as measured in laboratory tests, but this has not generally been shown to have significant health effects. Although no cure exists for GGM.

Patients can manage their symptoms (diarrhea) by removing lactose, sucrose, and glucose from their diets. Child showing a prenatal diagnosis of GGM will flourish on a fructose-based substitute formula and will later continue their "normal" physical development on a fructose-based solid diet. Older children and adults with severe GGM can also manage their symptoms on a fructose-based diet and may show improved glucose tolerance and even clinical remission as they age.