What is Glycogen Storage Disease?
Glucose is a large energy source for the body. It is stored by the body in the form of glycogen and later released into the body with the help of enzymes. Glycogen storage disease (GSD) is a group of inherited (born with) disorders where an abnormal amount or type of glycogen is stored in the liver. It occurs as a result of the liver’s failure to regulate the metabolism of glycogen and glucose. Glycogen storage disease occurs when an enzyme (proteins produced by the body) which regulates conversion of sugar (glucose) into its storage form (glycogen) or release if glucose from glycogen is missing. Many sugars (including glucose) are present in foods and are used by the body as a source of energy. After a meal, blood glucose levels rise. The body stores the extra glucose that is not needed right away as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Later, as the blood glucose levels in the body begin to dip, the body uses this stored energy. These sugars, stored in the form of glycogen, need to be
