Get a Handle on Metabolic Syndrome

Prevent, Diagnosis, Treat

If you are like most people, you are confused. The news and doctors talk about metabolic syndrome, syndrome X and insulin resistance syndrome. Basically, these are three different terms for the same thing. What they mean is, "heading for trouble."

Metabolic Syndrome, Syndrome X and Insulin Resistance

These three terms are used to describe an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The most common term is metabolic syndrome (I'll use that term from now on). This term describes a condition in which a number of risk factors (like high blood pressure) are combined. The good news is that the increased risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes can be reversed through aggressive lifestyle changes and (in some cases) medication.

Diagnosing Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed using a combination of measurements and blood tests. There are basically five numbers that doctors will check. If three of the five are not in healthy levels, a patient may be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.

Definition of Metabolic Syndrome

Here are the five things that define metabolic syndrome, if three or more are present then a person is said to have "metabolic syndrome":

1. Waist circumference greater than 40 inches in men or greater than 35 inches in women
2. High blood pressure
3. Elevated fasting blood sugar (more than 110 mg/dL)
4. Elevated triglycerides
5. Low levels of HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol)

Each of these tests show signs of trouble. If three or more of these is in the unhealthy range, then that person's risk of stroke, heart attack and diabetes is elevated.

Treatment and Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome

You already know how to treat and prevent metabolic syndrome -- live healthy. Exercise, weight loss and eating a healthy diet can help reverse metabolic syndrome. Your doctor may suggest a combination of lifestyle change and medication, or may give you a "trial" period to give lifestyle change a chance while monitoring you closely. Take this very seriously. Make all the changes you possibly can and don't cheat. The good news is that the improvements you make will have you sleeping better and feeling energized.

Some additional resources for treating and preventing metabolic syndrome:

• Add 2 Servings
• Painless Weight Loss
• Learn to Love Exercise
• Learn to Relax

_Source:

Torpy at al. JAMA Patient Page - The Metabolic Syndrome. JAMA. February 15, 2006. 295 (7): 850.