What department should I go to for medical treatment for high levels of pyruvate

It is suggested to first visit the endocrine department or metabolic disease department for the increase of pyruvate, which may be caused by factors such as diabetes ketosis, genetic metabolic disease, alcoholism, strenuous exercise or malnutrition.

1. diabetes ketosis:

When diabetes patients have insufficient insulin, fat decomposition in the body produces a large number of ketones, including pyruvate, which is common in poor control of type 1 diabetes or acute complications of type 2 diabetes. The typical accompanying symptoms are frequent drinking and frequent urination, deep and fast breathing with a rotten apple flavor, requiring urgent treatment of blood sugar and acidosis.

2. Genetic metabolic diseases:

Congenital metabolic defects such as pyruvate carboxylase deficiency can lead to accumulation of pyruvate, which is more common in infants and young children, manifested as feeding difficulties and developmental delays. Diagnosis needs to be confirmed through genetic testing and enzyme activity testing, and requires long-term nutritional intervention and metabolic monitoring.

3. Alcohol abuse factors:

Alcohol metabolism consumes a large amount of NAD+, which interferes with the process of converting pyruvate into acetyl CoA, leading to the accumulation of blood pyruvate. Long term drinkers may have liver dysfunction and need to quit drinking and supplement with B vitamins to improve metabolism.

4. Intense exercise:

During high-intensity anaerobic exercise, muscle glycolysis is enhanced, temporarily producing excess pyruvate, which usually recovers on its own within 24 hours. The synchronous increase of lactate and pyruvate after exercise is a physiological phenomenon, but persistent abnormalities require investigation of mitochondrial dysfunction.

5. Malnutrition:

Vitamin B1 deficiency in beriberi can hinder the function of pyruvate dehydrogenase system, which is common in people with long-term refined diet or digestive absorption disorders. Accompanied by symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is necessary to supplement thiamine and adjust dietary structure.

If elevated pyruvate levels are found, basic tests such as blood glucose, blood ketone bodies, and liver function should be completed. Children with elevated pyruvate levels should undergo additional screening for blood and urine metabolism. Daily fasting exercise should be avoided and alcohol intake should be controlled. diabetes patients should strictly monitor blood sugar. If accompanied by critical symptoms such as blurred consciousness and persistent vomiting, emergency treatment should be sought immediately. Patients with metabolic abnormalities are recommended to have their pyruvate levels rechecked every 3-6 months, and if necessary, be referred to a metabolic disease specialist at a tertiary hospital for further diagnosis and treatment.