Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome or metabolic syndrome x is a medical disorder or a group of conditions that results from insulin resistance. People with metabolic syndrome are at the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and premature death.

Metabolic syndrome symptoms

Fasting hyperglycemia or diabetes mellitus type 2 or impaired fasting glucose, or insulin resistance is a major symptom of metabolic syndrome. Other symptoms indicating metabolic syndrome include high triglycerides, PCOS, fatty liver and hypertension.

Insulin resistance is the major factor in metabolic syndrome. In an attempt to compensate the insulin resistance, the body produces extra insulin that leads directly or indirectly to the metabolic abnormalities. The prevalence of the syndrome is calculated based on the waist circumference, which generally is 40 inches or more for men and 35 inches or more for women. Having excess fat in the abdominal area is a greater risk factor for heart disease than excess fat in other parts of the body like hips. Despite obesity, people with normal weight may also be insulin resistant and can have metabolic syndrome.

Physical inactivity is the major cause of any cardiovascular disease and mortality. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome increases with age. Metabolic syndrome is noticed in large majority of patients with Type-2 diabetes. Patients with coronary heart disease are at higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is high in people with lipodystrophy, a medical condition characterized by abnormal or degenerative condition of the body's adipose tissue. Both genetic and acquired form of lipodystrophy can increase the severity of insulin resistance thus leading to metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic Syndrome Treatment

There is no one single treatment to relieve metabolic syndrome. Physical activity for at least 30 to 60 minutes a day is generally recommended. Weight Loss is recommended to reduce the insulin levels in your body. Eat wisely.