Health Care

Are You at Risk?

What Is Metabolic Syndrome?

The presence of the setabolic syndrome greatly increases a person’s chances of developing overt diabetes, a host of cardiovascular (relating to the heart and blood vessels) conditions including heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and frequently premature death.

What Risk Factors or Disorders are Associated With Metabolic Syndrome?

There are a number of organizations around the world, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), that have developed criteria to be included in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome.

They are all similar, but there are differences. These are all of the risk factors that have been identified:

• Abdominal/Central Obesity - Waist circumference: greater than 40 inches men, and greater than 35 inches in women or BMI (Body Mass Index) greater than 30 kg per m2
• Elevated Triglycerides - greater than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol per L)
• Low HDL Cholesterol - less than 35 mg/dL (0.9 mmol/L) for men, and less than 39 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) for women
• High Blood Pressure - greater than 130/85 mm Hg
• Fasting Blood Sugar greater than 110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L)
• Type 2 Diabetes or Impaired Glucose Tolerance
• Urinary Albumin Secretion - greater than 110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L)
• Inflammatory State - Elevated C-reactive protein in the blood

Who Should be Concerned About Metabolic Syndrome?

Those most at risk: People with abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, a history of heart disease or who are or were smokers.

In addition, there are high-risk groups such as native North Americans, Africans, Mexicans, Asians and South Asians. Also, women who have been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, men with low levels of testosterone and those diagnosed with schizophrenia have an increased risk of having metabolic syndrome.

What Symptoms Should I Look For?

Metabolic syndrome is known as a silent killer because it can exist without your knowledge until serious health issues arise. Symptoms that do develop are associated with the individual risk factors such as symptoms associated with diabetes. To be sure, it is best to have regular health assessments that include a blood pressure measurement.

What Are the Causes of the Metabolic Syndrome?

Excess weight, physical inactivity and a diet that is high in processed carbohydrates, trans fatty acids and saturated fats are where the problems start for most of us. Also, consume more calories than we burn up in activity results in the build-up of fat.

Insulin cannot be used properly when the muscles aren't exercising or when fat builds up. This leads to insulin resistance. Genetics predispose a person to insulin resistance. When insulin and glucose (sugar) build up in the bloodstream, damage occurs to the heart and blood vessels, which causes heart disease. The pancreas, which produces insulin, can become tired and stop making as much insulin and this can cause diabetes.

What Can Happen If I Don't Get Treated?

If you have three of the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, your chances of developing heart disease, including a heart attack, a stroke or diabetes are very high. If you have all of the risk factors, you are six times more likely to have serious complications than those who do not have metabolic syndrome.

When untreated, other problems can develop, including kidney disease, liver disease, cancer and sleep apnea.

Where Can I Start to Fix This Problem?

• Make an appointment with your health care practitioner.
  
  
• Lose weight – even a loss of 5-10 percent of your body weight can cause measurable improvements.
  
  
• Healthy Meal Plans –
  1. Decrease processed foods including white flour and sugar from your diet.
  2. Increase your consumption of whole grains, beans, and high fiber foods including lots of fruits and vegetables.
  3. Increase your intake of monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and liver oils. These have shown some promise in reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome.
  4. Decrease trans fatty acids and saturated fats.
  5. Plan meals around your plate by leaving ¼ for your protein food, ¼ for your carbohydrate food and ½ for your vegetables.
  6. Use the Glycemic Index or Glycemic Load for planning your meals.
  
  
  
• Exercise – 30 minutes of walking a day can make a huge improvement. Not only will you burn more calories, but exercise also makes your muscle cells more sensitive to insulin and your body is better able to stabilize your blood sugar levels.
  
  
• Limit Alcohol Intake – No more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks for men.