Metabolic conditions and disorders are some of the most prevalent health issues for people worldwide, including in the U.S. Michigan is a Midwestern state and the Midwest leads the nation with the highest rate of a common metabolic condition. Anyone dealing with a metabolic issue might find effective diagnosis and treatment with an endocrinologist in Michigan.
What Are Metabolic Disorders?
When people consume food, their metabolism helps convert what they eat into energy. When that body process is thrown off or has an imbalance, it becomes a metabolic disorder. More specifically, the body becomes unable to effectively use the acids and sugars that come from food in a normal way. Metabolic disorders can also affect someone with an unhealthy pancreas or liver.
Most Common Metabolic Conditions
Some of the most pervasive health issues that affect Americans are metabolic conditions. While some may develop independently, other metabolic conditions can emerge due to diets and lifestyle choices. Some of the most common metabolic conditions include:
- Diabetes (Types 1, 2, and prediabetic condition)
- Obesity
- Kidney disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Certain types of liver diseases
Many of these health conditions affect millions of people throughout the U.S. Each one of them is caused by problems with the metabolic process.
What Does An Endocrinologist Do?
Endocrinologists are doctors who specialize in the endocrinology systems, which regulate hormonal activity in the body. There are numerous health issues that fall within the endocrinological category and those conditions and diseases include metabolic disorders, too.
An endocrinologist can diagnose metabolic issues and help treat it. As metabolic conditions compound with one another, finding an endocrinologist is vital when one suspects they may have a metabolic issue, or when a general practitioner detects it.
Endocrinology is a wide field. So, many endocrinologists specialize in specific areas. For instance, one doctor may treat diabetic patients while another treats sleep disorders. However, all endocrinologists are extensively educated and trained to understand the entirety of the endocrine system.
Signs of Metabolic Problems
If a person suspects they may have a metabolic issue, they can look out for the following signs:
- High blood pressure
- High levels of triglycerides
- High blood glucose levels (even after fasting)
- Obesity
- 25+ BMI
Other signs include insulin resistance and increased blood clotting. People often are unaware that something may be going on with their metabolism until they have blood work done during a routine visit. A blood test is one of the most basic ways to detect metabolic issues. If a person has concerns or presents symptoms, a primary care physician can refer them to an endocrinologist.