OBJECTIVE: To o present up-to-date knowledge about Glycogen storage disease type I (GSD-type I) - a disease caused by the deposit of glycogen resulting from the deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6- phosphatase - and to provide the pediatricians with the necessary information for a precocious diagnosis and an adequate conduct for those cases where this metabolic disturbance is present. METHODS: Through Medline, the most significant articles published during the last 20 years were selected from national and international journals of medicine, with special attention to dietary treatment of glycogen storage disease type I. RESULTS: The metabolism of glycogen and the metabolic consequences of glycogen storage disease type I were discussed, especially hypoglycemia, the principal metabolic disturbance of the disease. The clinical and laboratory findings are described together with the histopathology. The use of uncooked cornstarch and enteral carbohydrate infusion are the means used for the maintenance of normoglycemia. The control of hyperuricemia, hyperlipidemia and platelet disorders are other aspects of the treatment as well as the prevention of infections and the use of G-CSF for glycogen storage type Ib. Hepatic transplant and its principal indications are commented on. Hepatic adenomae, which always have the potential of malignant transformation, are the results of incomplete treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although it occurs rarely, glycogen storage type I is an important cause of volumous hepatomegaly which is associated with hypoglycemia among the infants. The dietary treatment of this illness has significantly altered the clinical course and has improved the prognosis. Therefore it is indispensable that the general pediatrician should be familiar with the diagnosis of this clinical state so as to act rigorously in favor of the dietary control.