G6PD deficiency is a disorder, where an enzyme-glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is missed from the red blood cells membrane. The glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme helps glucose-a simple sugar, that is a major source for red blood cell, and produces glutathione, which helps to prevent the cell from breaking.

Such an inherited disorder is most likely occur in males. It happen in approx. 10% of black male population and a lower percentage of white individuals from the Mediterranean areas.

Some individuals with G6PD deficiency never progress anemia. Vitamin K, fever, aspirin, bacterial or viral infection, fava, and diabetic crisis can trigger red blood cells destructions, causing anemia. Anemia may be prevented by avoiding substances and situations that trigger anemia, but no treatment may cure this disorder.

This entry was filed under Diseases and Conditions.

Tags: anemia, deficiency, disorder, GGPD deficiency, glucose