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Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that together increase the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other serious health problems, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in the United States.

Metabolic syndrome names

Metabolic syndrome is known by the following names:

  • Metabolic syndrome

  • Metabolic syndrome

  • insulin resistance syndrome

Diagnosis of metabolic syndrome

You may have metabolic syndrome if you have three or more of the following conditions:

1- The belly

This is also called abdominal obesity or “apple shape”. Excess fat in the stomach area is a greater risk factor for heart disease than excess fat in other parts of the body.

In numbers, this means a waist circumference of more than 35 inches (88 cm) for women, and more than 40 inches (102 cm) for men. An increased waist circumference is a form of obesity strongly linked to metabolic syndrome, according to Johns Hopkins University.

2- High blood pressure

If your blood pressure rises and stays high for a long time, it can damage your heart and blood vessels. High blood pressure can also lead to the buildup of plaque, a waxy substance, in the arteries. Plaques can cause cardiovascular disease such as heart attack or stroke.

In numbers, high blood pressure means a reading of 130/80 mmHg (mmHg) or higher. Normal blood pressure is defined as less than 120 mm Hg systolic (top number) and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic (bottom number).

3- High blood sugar levels

Most people with metabolic syndrome have insulin resistance. The body makes insulin to transport glucose (sugar) into cells for use as energy. Obesity, commonly found in those with metabolic syndrome, makes it difficult for the body's cells to respond to insulin.

If the body cannot produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance, the blood sugar level rises, causing type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome may be the beginning of the development of type 2 diabetes.

In numbers, this means recording a fasting glucose equal to or greater than 100 mg/dL.

4- High levels of triglycerides in the blood

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. High levels of triglycerides can raise bad LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels. This increases the risk of heart disease.

In numbers, this means recording triglyceride levels of more than 150 mg/dL.

5- Low level of good cholesterol

Blood cholesterol levels are important for heart health. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol can help remove bad cholesterol from your blood vessels. Bad cholesterol can cause plaque to build up in blood vessels.

In numbers, this means HDL cholesterol is less than 40 mg/dL for men, and less than 50 mg/dL for women.

Causes of metabolic syndrome

Experts don't fully understand what causes metabolic syndrome. There are several interconnected factors. Obesity, in addition to a sedentary lifestyle, contributes to risk factors for metabolic syndrome, including: high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure. These risk factors may lead to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Because metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance are closely linked, many doctors believe that insulin resistance may be a cause of metabolic syndrome, but they have not found a direct link between the two conditions.

Others believe that hormonal changes caused by chronic stress lead to abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, and high blood fats (triglycerides and cholesterol).

Other factors that may contribute to metabolic syndrome include genetic changes in a person's ability to break down fats in the blood, aging, and problems with how fat is distributed in the body.

Groups at risk of metabolic syndrome

Risk factors most closely associated with metabolic syndrome include:

  • Age. You're more likely to develop metabolic syndrome as you get older.

  • Body mass index (BMI) greater than 25, which is a measure of body fat compared to height and weight.

  • Personal or family history of diabetes. Women who developed diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or people who have a family member with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome.

  • Smoking

  • Drinking wine

  • Having high blood pressure

  • Going beyond menopause

  • Follow a high-fat diet

  • A sedentary lifestyle

Symptoms of metabolic syndrome

Having high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, and being overweight or obese may be signs of metabolic syndrome.

People with insulin resistance may suffer from acanthosis nigricans. These are dark areas of skin on the back of the neck, in the armpits, and under the breasts.

However, in general, people do not experience symptoms.

How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed?

Specialized organizations have established criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome. Standards include:

  • Obesity in the abdominal area

  • BMI higher than 25

  • High triglycerides

  • Low good cholesterol

  • Hypertension

  • High blood glucose during fasting

  • Increased blood clotting, meaning you have more plasma plasminogen activator and fibrinogen, which cause blood to clot.

Conditions that develop as a result of metabolic syndrome

Because metabolic syndrome increases the risk of developing more serious chronic conditions in the long term, it is important to get treatment. Without treatment, you may develop:

  • Cardiovascular diseases

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

  • Fatty liver

  • Gallstones

  • asthma

  • Sleep problems

  • Some forms of cancer

Treatment of metabolic syndrome

Here are the types of treatment that may be recommended for metabolic syndrome:

1- Weight loss

Losing even a modest amount of weight can lower blood pressure and increase insulin sensitivity. It can also reduce the amount of fat around the midsection.

2- Quitting smoking 3- Modifying the diet, such as:

  • Use healthy fats. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats may help keep your heart healthy. These healthy fats are found in nuts, seeds, and some types of oils such as olive and canola.

  • Choose whole grains such as brown rice and whole wheat bread instead of white rice and white bread. Whole grain foods are richer in nutrients than processed foods. Whole grains are higher in fiber, so the body absorbs them more slowly. They do not cause a rapid spike in insulin, which can lead to hunger and cravings.

  • Eat more fruits and vegetables. A person on a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet is recommended to eat 2.5 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit per day.

4- Doing sports

Exercise helps those who are overweight or obese by helping maintain and add muscle tissue while losing fat. They also help you lose weight faster than just following a healthy diet because muscle tissue burns calories faster.

Walking is a great exercise for almost anyone. Start slowly by walking for 30 minutes a day a few days a week. Gradually add more time until you can walk for longer periods on most days of the week.

Exercise lowers blood pressure and can help prevent type 2 diabetes. Exercise also helps you feel better emotionally, reduces appetite, improves sleep, improves flexibility, and lowers bad cholesterol.

Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.

5- Medicine

People with or at risk of developing metabolic syndrome may need to take medication as treatment. This is especially true if diet and other lifestyle changes don't make a difference.

Your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower blood pressure, improve insulin metabolism, lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol and increase weight loss, or a combination of these things.

6- Weight loss surgery

Weight-loss surgery is an effective treatment for morbid obesity in people who have been unable to lose weight through diet, exercise, or medication.

What are the complications of metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome greatly increases your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or all three.

Source: Al Jazeera + agencies