Metabolic diseases

Links to articles about metabolic diseases.

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Malabsorption syndromes

Information about malabsorption syndromes from our information partners.

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Endocrine diseases

Follow the links on this page to find trusted information about endocrine diseases.

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Risk Checker

Find out if you're at risk of heart disease, kidney disease or type 2 diabetes in just a few minutes using the healthdirect Risk Checker.

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Digestive system cancers

Information about digestive system cancers from leading Australian health organisations.

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Gastrointestinal illnesses

Gastrointestinal illnesses are very common. Some may last for only a day or two; others are long term. Learn here about their causes, symptoms and treatments.

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Irritable bowel syndrome infographic

Explore this infographic to learn about how to deal with the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and how you can prevent an attack of IBS.

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Urine colour chart

It's important to drink plenty of water every day to stay healthy. Use this urine colour chart to assess how hydrated you are.

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Water and your health — infographic

If your body doesn’t have enough water (dehydration), it won’t function well. This infographic shows why drinking plenty of water daily is essential.

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Diabetic ketoacidosis

Information about diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition caused when you have a high blood sugar level, and not enough insulin in your body to break it down to use for energy .

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Porphyria

Porphyria is caused by problems with red blood cells and has a wide range of symptoms. Discover how it's managed and treated.

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Bowel cancer – a personal story

Being diagnosed with bowel cancer can be both emotionally and practically challenging. Listening to others who have experienced similar situations is often reassuring and can be helpful. This video interview has been sourced from healthtalk.org, award-winning research into patient experiences in conjunction with the Health Experience Research Group at Oxford University, UK.

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Potassium deficiency

Potassium is a mineral and electrolyte, found in foods such as bananas, that helps nerves and muscles function. Both high and low potassium levels can be dangerous.

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Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia affects the hormones. People with the condition will have health problems, but might still enjoy a normal lifestyle.

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HbA1c test

An HbA1c is a type of blood test which is used to help diagnose and monitor people with diabetes.

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Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)

Hypoglycaemia, or a ‘hypo’, is having too little glucose (sugar) in your blood (below 4 mmol/L). Find out what to do to prevent hypoglycaemia and how to help someone with signs of hypoglycaemia.

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Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)

Hyperglycaemia is having too much glucose (sugar) in your blood. Find out more about the effects of hyperglycaemia and steps to take when your blood sugar level is higher than it should be.

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Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a group of diseases that can affect the brain, heart, joints or kidneys.

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Haemochromatosis

Haemochromatosis causes the body to absorb too much iron, leading to organ damage. Blood tests will diagnose it, and treatments are available.

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Dermatitis herpetiformis

Dermatitis herpetiformis is an autoimmune condition, generally associated with gluten intolerance and coeliac disease. Find out how it is diagnosed and treated.

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Find out your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease with this quick test

Healthdirect, with the George Institute, has developed a free online risk calculator to help prevent heart disease, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

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Bowel cancer in young people on the rise — here’s what to look out for

Bowel cancer more commonly occurs in older people, while rates of the deadly disease in younger people are going up. But whatever your age, it's important to know the warning signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. Learn more here.

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Why a diabetes test might be overdue for you

Diabetes is being diagnosed too late in many Australians, and by delaying a visit to the doctor they put themselves at risk of life-threatening health problems.

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Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare condition of the oesophagus (the food pipe) that stops food from entering the stomach properly. There is no cure, but there are different treatments to ease the symptoms.

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Get behind bowel cancer screening

Free bowel cancer screening test kits are being sent to Australians aged from 50 to 74. Bowel cancer is one of the most curable cancers – if detected early on.

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How long should you stay out of the pool after diarrhoea?

Summer's here, which means more pool time. But it's important to not go swimming in pools if infected with Cryptosporidium – a parasite that causes diarrhoea.

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Low FODMAP diets

A low FODMAP diet reduces or removes certain foods to cut down on specific sugar types and avoid tummy pain and discomfort. Learn more about FODMAPs here.

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Flatulence

Flatulence is the passing of air or gas from the intestine and through the anus, often accompanied by a sound and smell. Read more about flatulence.

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Stomach ulcers

Stomach ulcers occur in the lining of your stomach. Although they are common and can be treated, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and get diagnosed early.

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Giardiasis (giardia)

Giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine with the parasite giardia. Learn about cause, symptoms, treatment and prevention of giardiasis.

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