Support for "Special Corn Starch" for Glycogen Storage Disease Patients to Be Expanded from Next Month

Special Corn Starch Added to Dietary Support
Longer Blood Glucose Stability for Glycogen Storage Disease Patients
Easier Nighttime Management for Children and Families

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on August 27 that it will add "special corn starch" to the list of special dietary support items for patients with glycogen storage disease, starting from September 1.

Glycogen storage disease is a hereditary disorder of carbohydrate metabolism caused by a deficiency of enzymes required for glycogen synthesis and breakdown. In Korea, it is estimated that there are about 300 patients with this disease, and taking corn starch is essential for them to maintain blood glucose levels.

The agency provides medical expense support programs for low-income patients with rare diseases, offering customized special diets such as specially formulated infant formula, low-protein instant rice, and corn starch, depending on the specific needs of each condition.

Previously, "regular corn starch" was already included in the list of supported special dietary items. However, many patients reported inconvenience, as the effect and duration of blood glucose maintenance were short, requiring additional starch intake even during sleep to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia. Clinical studies have shown that while regular corn starch maintains blood glucose for about 3 to 4 hours, special corn starch can sustain the effect for 7 to 8 hours, resulting in stable blood glucose levels over a longer period.

The agency, in close consultation with patient groups and the medical community, thoroughly reviewed the safety and efficacy of special corn starch and improved the system to include it as a support item. As a result, patients with glycogen storage disease can now choose from three types of support: regular corn starch, special corn starch (Glycosade), or a combination of both (regular corn starch + special corn starch).

From September 1, patients or their guardians who wish to receive special corn starch must obtain a medical confirmation from a healthcare institution and submit it to the local public health center. They must also submit a claim form for the purchase cost of the special diet to the National Health Insurance Service branch office. After a review of the documents, the purchase cost will be reimbursed to the individual's bank account.

Bae Junho, head of the Korea Glycogen Storage Disease Association, said, "While adults have faced difficulties, it has been especially challenging for families with children suffering from glycogen storage disease, as they had to wake their children at night to administer regular corn starch. With this new support, it is expected that children will be able to maintain stable blood glucose levels throughout the night, which will positively impact their sleep and growth."

Lim Seungkwan, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, stated, "By expanding support for special corn starch for glycogen storage disease patients, we hope patients can continue their treatment safely without worrying about nocturnal hypoglycemia. We will continue to listen to the voices of patients with rare diseases and their families, keep patient well-being at the center of our policies, and work to identify and address gaps in support to expand tailored assistance."