Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 3

A rare inherited condition with very little body fat, extreme insulin resistance and early diabetes.

Understanding Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 3

Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 3, also known as Berardinelli-Seip syndrome, is an autosomal recessive condition of very low body fat.

It is marked by very little fat tissue, extreme insulin resistance, high blood fats (triglycerides), a fatty liver and diabetes that starts early.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a separate symptom list for this type. The summary describes:

  • Very little body fat
  • Extreme insulin resistance
  • High triglycerides
  • Fatty liver (hepatic steatosis)
  • Early-onset diabetes

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

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
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 Lipodystrophy United
  • 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
Should we have genetic testing to confirm the type?
How should blood sugar and liver health be monitored?
What diet and treatment options exist?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Recessive

GARD doesn't name a gene here. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

Also known as: berardinelli-seip congenital lipodystrophy type 3; berardinelli-seip congenital lipodystrophy, type 3; bscl3; cav1 congenital generalised lipodystrophy (disease); cav1 congenital generalized lipodystrophy (disease); cgl3

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 3GARD ID 13389 · 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 Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 3.

Explore the Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 3 blog

Explore research for Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 3

Explore actively recruiting Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 3 studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 3 with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 3 studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 3

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 3

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 3 experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.