The field of medicine can be divided into many different subspecialties, each of which covers its own unique topics and concerns. The subspecialty of metabolic medicine is often less publicized, but it addresses common conditions which affect millions of people all over the world.
What Is Metabolic Medicine?
Metabolic medicine is a subspecialty of medicine that focuses on the body’s metabolism and biochemistry. It addresses diseases and conditions including diabetes, inherited metabolic disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and enzyme deficiencies.
Medical professionals in the field of metabolic medicine are responsible for researching these disorders to understand why they develop and how they impact the human body. They also learn how to recognize the symptoms of different metabolic disorders, carry out specific tests, and diagnose these disorders accurately. In addition, metabolic doctors follow specific protocols in the treatment of each disorder.
Some metabolic doctors work in a clinical setting where they meet with patients, order tests, interpret test results, make diagnoses, and recommend treatment options. Other professionals in the field of metabolic medicine may work in a research setting where they are responsible for designing and carrying out studies in order to learn more about metabolism, metabolic disorders, and the treatments that work most effectively.
The Role of Metabolism
Metabolic medicine is primarily focused on the process of metabolism, which is defined as the chemical changes that occur in living cells to produce energy. Human metabolism consists of thousands of different chemical processes working together at all times. Human body cells are responsible for converting the food consumed into energy that fuels metabolic processes, as well as using food sources to produce needed proteins. In most cases, humans live life largely unaware of their continuous metabolic activities. However, when metabolic disorders develop, these processes suddenly come into focus.
Metabolic disorders can develop for several different reasons. A patient may develop a metabolic disorder if there are toxins in the body that prevent metabolism from working as it should. Patients may also have metabolic disorders because of specific genetic defects, or if the body doesn’t have access to the fuel it needs to perform metabolic processes properly.
How Are Metabolic Disorders Diagnosed?
Every metabolic disorder is different and will produce its own list of symptoms. However, two people with the same metabolic disorder may not experience the exact same symptoms. Likewise, the symptoms of some metabolic disorders overlap with one another, as well as with non-metabolic issues. For this reason, arriving at an accurate diagnosis can be challenging. Metabolic doctors diagnose metabolic disorders by reviewing the patient’s entire history, as well as the symptoms the patient is experiencing. Doctors may also order lab tests and other diagnostic studies to learn more about the patient’s current condition. After collecting as much information as possible, the doctor will work to pinpoint the diagnosis.
How Are Metabolic Disorders Treated?
The treatment for metabolic disorders will depend on the specifics of the disorder. Some people suffering from a metabolic disorder may need medication, such as insulin—others may need enzyme replacement therapy. Doctors determine the best treatment for each patient’s metabolic disorder based on the severity of the disorder, the symptoms, and the latest information on recommended treatment practices.
Many metabolic disorders are chronic and will require ongoing treatment. Patients who have Type I diabetes typically need to take insulin throughout their lives in order to keep blood sugars under control. The same is true for patients with enzyme deficiencies that prevent their metabolic processes from working properly.
Research in Metabolic Medicine
Despite the extensive body of knowledge doctors already have with regard to human metabolism and metabolic disorders, there is still much to be discovered. For this reason, research in the field of metabolic medicine is ongoing. Researchers are continually investigating the way the human body functions, the way different disorders develop, and the effectiveness of various treatments. As research advances, diagnosis and treatment recommendations for metabolic disorders continue to improve. The goal of research is always to enhance the available knowledge, as well as the treatment options available to patients with metabolic disorders.
Dr. Lindsay Clark is a metabolic physician with a passion for supporting and treating patients to improve quality of life and health. “As research continues to open new doors for treatment and expand our knowledge of metabolic function, we continue to find new ways to support and improve the body’s response to disease,” said Dr. Clark. “The ultimate goal is always improving the health outcomes for our patients, and for that, research must continue. There is no stopping point when it comes to scientific discovery.”
Finding a Metabolic Doctor
Like all medical practitioners, metabolic doctors completed a general medical study. Metabolic doctors have also spent time studying topics in their subspecialty, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively diagnose and treat metabolic disorders of all types. If you think you may have the symptoms of a metabolic disorder, it is important to select a doctor who has adequate training and a good reputation in the field so you can get the treatment you need.
