Final answer:
A patient with Galactosemia has difficulty processing sugar, particularly galactose, due to a lack of an enzyme needed to convert galactose to glucose.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient suffering from Galactosemia is having trouble processing sugar, specifically a type of sugar known as galactose. Galactosemia is a genetic disease where the body is missing one of the enzymes necessary for converting galactose into glucose, a simple sugar that the body can utilize for energy. Galactose is released when lactose, which is a disaccharide found in milk, is hydrolyzed by the enzyme lactase into glucose and galactose.
Lactose intolerance and Galactosemia are both related to the processing of lactose but are different conditions. In Galactosemia, the affected individual cannot effectively metabolize galactose due to an enzyme deficiency. Consequently, individuals with Galactosemia need to avoid lactose-containing foods to prevent the complications associated with the accumulation of galactose in their bodies.