Definition

A genetic condition where the body cannot properly process a sugar called galactose, leading to high levels of galactose in the blood, which can cause serious health problems if not treated.

Example

Galactosemia can lead to serious complications if not diagnosed early in life.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of galactosemia?

Yeah, I think it's related to how the body processes certain sugars.

Exactly! It's a condition that can really affect someone's health if not managed.

That's true, but I heard there are ways to live well with it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Galactosemia is formed from "galacto-" (from Greek "galaktos", meaning milk) and "-semia" (from Greek "haima", meaning blood). The term refers to the presence of galactose in the blood, particularly in relation to a metabolic disorder affecting the body's ability to process galactose, a sugar found in milk.

Memory Tip

Think of 'galacto-' relating to 'milk' and '-semia' indicating 'blood' — this helps you remember that galactosemia is a condition involving milk sugar in the blood.

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