Patient/caregiver was educated on signs and symptoms of coenzyme Q deficiency as follows:
- Compromised function of all the vital organs, secondary to deficiency of coenzyme Q can result in episodes of confusion, trouble concentrating, learning difficulties, poor cardiac function, diminished blood supply to vital organs, poor renal function, fatigue, muscle weakness, poor appetite, and weight loss. Prolonged deficiency of coenzyme Q can also lead to failure of vital organ functions, resulting in heart failure, renal failure, and coma.
- Coenzyme Q increases sensitivity of body cells to insulin, thus increasing the glucose uptake and utilization by the body cells. This can help partly with controlling the elevated blood sugars in diabetics, but can result in low blood sugars and hypoglycemia in normal individuals. Deficiency in coenzyme Q can result in poor blood sugar uptake by cells, thus resulting in elevated blood sugar readings and poor blood sugar control in diabetics. Individuals can present with frequent urination due to high blood sugars, increased fluid loss, dryness of mouth, and increased thirst.
- Coenzyme Q plays a role in controlling the blood pressure. Deficiency of coenzyme Q can result in poorly controlled hypertension and altered cardiac rhythm. Individuals can present with headaches, blurred vison, episodes of frequent confusion and dizziness, increased shortness of breath, and chest pain.
