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Living with Autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2R1

A rare inherited muscle condition with weakness in the arms and legs that starts in adulthood.

Understanding Autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2R1

Autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2R1 is a rare inherited muscle condition that causes slowly worsening weakness in adults.

Weakness and wasting affect the upper arms and legs. Shoulder blades can stick out, and independent walking can be lost. Breathing may become weaker over time. Muscle scans show fat replacing parts of the thigh muscles.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Weakness in the upper leg muscles
  • Muscle wasting
  • Winged shoulder blades (scapular winging)
  • Fat replacing muscle tissue
  • Loss of ability to walk
  • Weaker breathing (possible)

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in POGLUT1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    The Speak Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Expert lists: The Speak Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with The Speak Foundation
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing for the POGLUT1 gene confirm the diagnosis?
How often should my breathing be checked?
Which mobility aids or therapies could help over time?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startAdult
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesPOGLUT1

It is caused by changes in the POGLUT1 gene. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

GeneticNeurologicalInherited Metabolic

Also known as: autosomal recessive limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2z; autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy caused by mutation in poglut1; autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2z; lgmd type 2z; lgmd2z; lgmdr21

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2R1GARD ID 17869 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2R1.

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