Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when an individual has three or more of the following; obesity, hypertension, high triglycerides, glucose intolerance and low HDL cholesterol. It is estimated that 47 million people or one in five overweight Americans has metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance is thought to be the link between these conditions. Patients should be referred to their physician if the following risk factors are noted:
- Obesity – especially abdominal obesity and a body mass index (BMI) above 25
- Hypertension
- Family history of type 2 diabetes
- Personal history – if heart disease, diabetes (including gestational) or polycystic ovary disease.
- Increased amounts of fats in the blood
- Low HDL
- High LDL
- High Triglycerides
- High Sugar Levels
Those with three risks have a slightly higher chance of dying of heart disease, those with all the risk factors are 6 times more likely to develop heart disease and those with metabolic syndrome may also face 2 times the risk for stroke than those who do not have the syndrome.
Even changing one aspect will improve steps to better health. Losing weight and exercising can reduce insulin levels, hypertension and blood sugar. Consuming less fat and calories and eating more fruits and vegetables will reduce cholesterol. Medication may be needed to achieve physical goals. Like any other disease entity, having it diagnosed early and learning about it will enable the individual to have it under control and perhaps even reverse it.
