Treatment
Treatment will depend on the type of GSD and the symptoms. Your doctor will develop a plan based on your specific symptoms.
Treatment of GSDs That Affect the Liver
These general guidelines apply to people with types I, III, IV, VI, and IX:
The goal of treatment is to maintain normal blood glucose levels. This may be done with:
- Nasogastric infusion of glucose—for infants and children under age two
-
Dietary changes, including:
- Children over age two—frequent small carbohydrate feedings throughout the day; may include uncooked cornstarch (provides a steady slow-release form of glucose)
- Type I only—elimination of foods that are high in fructose or lactose
- Allopurinol (Aloprim, Zyloprim)—reduces uric acid levels in the blood to prevent gout and kidney stones
- Type IV—sometimes treated with liver transplantation
Treatment of GSDs That Affect the Muscles
These general guidelines apply to people with types V and VII:
The goal of treatment is to avoid muscle fatigue and/or cramps induced by exercise. This is done by:
- Regulating or limiting strenuous exercise to avoid fatigue symptoms
- Improving exercise tolerance by oral intake of glucose or fructose (fructose must be avoided in people with type I), or an injection of glucagon
- Eating a high protein diet
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.