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Living with Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase deficiency, cytosolic

A rare inherited metabolism condition in which the body can't make enough sugar between meals, causing low blood sugar and liver problems.

Understanding Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase deficiency, cytosolic

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase deficiency, cytosolic (PEPCK1 deficiency) is a rare inherited metabolic condition.

The body lacks an enzyme it needs for gluconeogenesis, the process of making glucose (sugar) from other sources. In severe cases, newborns have persistent low blood sugar, poor weight gain, lactic acid build-up, an enlarged liver, and liver failure. Milder cases appear in childhood with fewer liver problems. Infections and fasting can trigger symptoms.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Low blood sugar in newborns
  • Enlarged liver
  • Liver problems
  • Poor weight gain
  • Seizures
  • Delays in development

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 rare disease patient organizations for support
  • 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
How can we avoid low blood sugar during illness or fasting?
How should the liver be monitored?
Would PEPCK1 testing help our family?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Recessive

Changes in the PEPCK1 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, which means a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

Also known as: pck1 deficiency, cytosolic; pckdc; pepck deficiency, cytosolic

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase deficiency, cytosolicGARD ID 4278 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

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