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Updated: May 31, 2026

The Extraction of Liver Glycogen Molecules for Glycogen Structure Determination
Published on: February 8, 2022
Glycogen hepatopathy in a 13-year-old male with type 1 diabetes
Khalid S Aljabri1, Samia A Bokhari, Sanaa M Fageeh
1Department of Medicine, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. khalidsaljabri@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Glycogenic hepatopathy (GH ) is a rare cause of serum transaminase elevations in type 1 diabetes mellitus. We describe a 13-year-old male with a history of poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus who presented with hepatomegaly and severe transaminase flares. Liver histology confirmed GH. Treatment consists of improving glycemic control. Hepatomegaly due to excess glycogen storage in poorly controlled type 1 diabetics has been associated with younger patients with poor glycemic control, occurring about 2-4 weeks after starting insulin treatment, and resolving upon glucose stabilization. We conclude that glycogenic hepatopathy can cause hepatomegaly and significant transaminase elevations in individuals with type I diabetes mellitus, The recovery of severe transaminase elevations in this patient illustrates the more benign course of GH, which is a condition with a far better prognosis. Clinician awareness of GH should prevent diagnostic delay and will provide better insight into the prevalence of GH.
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