Metabolic Syndrome

What is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic Syndrome is not a condition in itself but is actually a group of 5 risk factors which increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.  

The different types of Metabolic Syndrome or the five factors that make this up has been mentioned below for your understanding: 

• An increased blood pressure 
• A high blood sugar level (insulin resistance)
• Having excess amount of fat around the waist 
• High triglyceride levels 
• HDL or low levels of good cholesterol 

Having three or more factors results in metabolic syndrome. 

What are the Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome?

The thing with Metabolic Syndrome symptoms and signs is the disorders associated with this are not obvious most of the time. However apart from the risk factors mentioned above, there are some common symptoms which experts have identified. These common symptoms have been listed below for your reference and knowledge:

• When an individual has a visibly large waist circumference and it is not reducing despite all efforts. 
• A high blood sugar level which then results in other symptoms like an increase in fatigue, an increase in the number of times you urinate, an increase in thirst and developing a blurry vision. 
  

Who is at Risk? 

There are quite a few Metabolic Syndrome risk factors that all individuals should be aware about. We have mentioned them below for your reference and understanding of the same:  

• An increase in age increases the chances of developing this 
• The ethnicity of the individual also increases the risk. It is said that Hispanics and especially women are more prone to this
• Being obese or obesity increases chances 
• A family history of type 2 diabetes or getting diabetes during pregnancy like gestational diabetes. 
• Having other diseases like polycystic ovary syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and sleep apnea. 
  

What are the Causes of Metabolic Syndrome?

The Metabolic Syndrome causes identified by experts has been discussed below for your understanding. 

• It is very closely linked to inactivity, obesity and being overweight 
• Having insulin resistance also leads to this because the cells stop responding normally to insulin and glucose then cannot enter the cells so easily.
• Causes the blood sugar levels to rise even though the body churns out more and more insulin in an attempt to lower your blood sugar level. 

How is Metabolic Syndrome Diagnosed? 

For Metabolic Syndrome diagnosis, a metabolic syndrome doctor will need to perform a certain number of Metabolic Syndrome tests that will help to detect three or more signs of this disorder. The doctor may check one ore more of the following for better diagnosis:

• The circumference of your waist – more than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men
• Your blood triglycerides while fasting 
• An individual’s cholesterol levels 
• Their blood pressure – 130/85 mm Hg or higher 
• The glucose level while fasting – 100 mg/dL or higher 

If there are abnormalities associated with three or more of these above-mentioned tests then that will help the doctor to confirm the presence of metabolic syndrome in the individual. 

How is Metabolic Syndrome Treated? 

Metabolic Syndrome treatment is treated through making lifestyle changes in the individual like the ones that have been mentioned below. 

• Regular physical activity as part of your daily life 
• Dietary changes 
• Weight loss 
• Managing and reducing stress levels
• Quitting smoking or reducing
  

How can Metabolic Syndrome be Prevented? 

There are no set rules as such for Metabolic Syndrome prevention as it does not happen overnight, however there are some recommended lifestyle changes that an individual can make to ensure they do not develop of any of the 5 risk factors associated with this. Some of these have been mentioned below for your understanding and consideration:

• Maintain a healthy waist circumference 
• A healthy blood pressure 
• A healthy cholesterol levels 
• Regular exercise and weight loss
• A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins, fibre, vitamins and the good fats 
• Maintaining a healthy weight