Stop the Progression from Metabolic Syndrome to Diabetes

 

Metabolic Syndrome is the pre cursor to many serious illnesses including diabetes, stroke and heart disease.  It is a group of conditions all relating to your metabolism.  Some doctors just think metabolic syndrome is a list of medical conditions. Metabolic syndrome has been referred as various other names such as, syndrome X and insulin resistance syndrome.

 

The national Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and the American Heart Association set up the guidelines for diagnosing metabolic syndrome. They include:

 

Obesity            The shape of your body has a great deal to do with the increase risk on your heart.  Having what is referred to as an apple shape is bad.  This puts too much weight around the waist area.  A circumference of greater than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men increases your risk. 

Triglyceride levels         an increase in your triglycerides to above 150 milligrams and if you are already taking medicine for this condition, increases your risk.

Reduced HDL              A good cholesterol level of less than 40mg/dl in men and a level of less than 50mg/dl in women is another indication of trouble.  Also if you are already taking medication for treatment, is another indication.

Blood Pressure A blood pressure reading of higher than 120 systolic or higher than 80 diastolic and if you’re on blood pressure medication, may lead to metabolic syndrome.

Elevated fasting blood sugar                  If your blood glucose level is over 100mg/dl after fasting for twelve hours and you’re already taking treatment for high sugar, you could be a candidate for metabolic syndrome.

 

You’re body’s metabolism is one of the causes of metabolic syndrome.  The rate at which your digestive system breaks down the foods you eat into sugar helps determine the carrying of glucose, and the use of insulin. When there is an imbalance, not enough insulin to glucose ratio, the onset of metabolic syndrome is started. Other facts to consider include, being overweight and inactive, inherited tendency, insulin resistance and environmental facts.

 

The risks of metabolic syndrome include:

Age                  The risk increases with age, less than 10% in their 20s and 40% in their 60s.

Race                Hispanics and Asians are at greater risk

Obesity            Body mass (BMI) greater than 25

Diabetes           If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes

Others              High Blood Pressure, cardiovascular disease, polycystic ovary syndrome

 

A change in life style can decrease your chances of getting metabolic syndrome. Losing as little as 5 to 10% body weight can reduce insulin levels and lower blood pressure.  Getting on a regular exercise plan, such as walking 30 to 60 minutes every day reduces risks.  If you are a smoker-STOP.  Smoking increase insulin resistance and makes the