Metabolic Conditions

Metabolic conditions like high blood sugar and excess body fat increase your risk of more severe health problems, including heart disease and premature death. At Fairfield Family Health in Fairfield, Connecticut, the naturopathic doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating metabolic conditions like high cholesterol and diabetes. Call Fairfield Family Health or book an appointment online today if you have or think you might have a metabolic condition.

What are metabolic conditions?

Metabolic conditions are diseases or disorders that affect your body’s metabolism. Your metabolism has two specific functions:

Catabolism

During catabolism, your body breaks down large molecules into smaller pieces. For example, when you eat a snack, like chips, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose (sugar).

Anabolism

During anabolism, your body breaks down food and converts the nutrients to energy. More energy helps build new cells and maintains healthy tissues.

What are some common metabolic conditions?

At Fairfield Family Health, the holistic medical providers diagnose and treat various metabolic conditions, including:

• Diabetes
• Gaucher’s disease (a condition that causes fats to build up in the spleen and liver)
• Hemochromatosis (a buildup of iron in your body)
• Phenylketonuria (PKU) (a disease that prevents your body from using amino acids)
• Mitochondrial disorders (conditions that affect your cells’ ability to produce energy)

If you have a history of metabolic disease in your family or develop unusual symptoms, like muscle weakness or fatigue, make an appointment at Fairfield Family Health today.

What are the symptoms of metabolic conditions?

The symptoms of metabolic conditions include:

• Stomach pain
• Tiredness
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in skin color
• Reduced appetite

You might also experience unexplained weight gain or weight loss if you have a metabolic disorder.

How are metabolic conditions diagnosed?

To diagnose a metabolic condition, your Fairfield Family Health provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. They complete a physical exam and order lab tests, including bloodwork and urinalysis. After identifying the source of your symptoms, your provider makes treatment recommendations.

How are metabolic conditions treated?

Treatment of metabolic conditions depends on various things, including your age, how severe your symptoms are, and your general health.

The Fairfield Family Health doctors take a holistic and integrative approach to treatment. For example, you might benefit from improved nutrition, regular exercise, and routine checkups.

If you have a chronic disease, like Type 1 diabetes, your provider prescribes insulin therapy. Insulin is a prescription medication that helps keep your blood sugar in check. The team also offers supplements to help people with metabolic conditions achieve optimal health.

Call Fairfield Family Health or use the online booking feature to explore holistic treatments for metabolic conditions.