You may have heard the phrase "metabolic syndrome" and wondered exactly what it is. It's a relatively new term to describe a cluster of symptoms that can help doctors pinpoint who is at risk for serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. It is also called syndrome X, and insulin resistance syndrome. Metabolic syndrome consists of 5 health risk factors that doctors look at. Having three or more of these factors places your health in the "danger zone".
- A fasting blood glucose (sugar) level greater than 100 mg/dl
- Blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg or greater
- An "apple" shaped abdomen with a waist measurement of 40" or more for men and 35" or more for women
- Triglyceride levels above 150 mg/dl
- An HDL ("good" cholesterol) level less than 40 mg/dl for men or less than 50 mg/dl for women
Losing weight, following a healthy diet and increasing daily exercise helps to lower all of these numbers, and thereby lowers your chances of developing diabetes and/or heart disease in the future.
Medications that lower blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol also help to lower your risk.
Photo by Anissa Thompson
Sources:
"Metabolic Syndrome." The Cleveland Clinic Health Information Center. Cleveland Clinic. 1 Mar 2007.
"What is Metabolic Syndrome." Familydoctor.org. Nov. 2006. American Academy of Family Physicians. 1 Mar 2007.
