From the Guidelines
Metabolic dysfunction encompasses several distinct types, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, mitochondrial dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, disorders of amino acid metabolism, fatty acid oxidation disorders, and glycogen storage diseases. The main types of metabolic dysfunction include:
- Insulin resistance, where cells don't respond properly to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels and potentially type 2 diabetes 1
- Dyslipidemia, characterized by abnormal blood lipid levels including high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or elevated triglycerides 1
- Mitochondrial dysfunction, where cellular powerhouses fail to produce energy efficiently 1
- Hormonal imbalances affecting metabolism, such as thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) 1
- Metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, which involve disruptions in the body's pH balance 1 Other significant types include:
- Disorders of amino acid metabolism like phenylketonuria 1
- Fatty acid oxidation disorders that impair fat breakdown for energy 1
- Glycogen storage diseases where the body cannot properly store or release glucose 1 These dysfunctions often manifest through symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, and organ dysfunction, and may require specific dietary modifications, medication regimens, or enzyme replacements depending on the particular disorder 1. The underlying causes typically involve genetic factors, lifestyle choices, environmental influences, or combinations of these factors disrupting normal metabolic pathways 1.
From the Research
Types of Metabolic Dysfunction
The following are different types of metabolic dysfunction:
- Metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is a cluster of metabolic dysregulations including insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, central obesity, and hypertension 2, 3
- Insulin resistance, which is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome 4, 5
- Mitochondrial dysfunction, which contributes to the oxidative stress and systemic inflammation seen in metabolic syndrome 6, 5
- Atherogenic dyslipidemia, which is characterized by high triglyceride and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels 2, 3
- Central obesity, which is a key component of metabolic syndrome 2, 3
- Hypertension, which is a component of metabolic syndrome and a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease 2, 3
Characteristics of Metabolic Dysfunction
The characteristics of metabolic dysfunction include:
- Elevated waist circumference 3
- Elevated triglycerides 3
- Reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol 3
- Elevated blood pressure 3
- Elevated fasting plasma glucose 3
- Mitochondrial dysfunction, which can lead to inefficient nutrient oxidation and increased production of superoxide anions 5
- Insulin resistance, which can lead to metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities 5
Associated Risks
Metabolic dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of: