Are you at risk of metabolic syndrome? It has become increasingly common. Understanding what it is, why it is happening, and how it can be managed is important. Read below to get a basic understanding of metabolic syndrome, warning signs, risk factors, and treatment moderations.
There is a study stating that more than 35% of Australians and about 1 out of every 3 Americans are suffering from metabolic syndrome.
What Is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome can be described as a cluster of conditions that happens together, resulting in an increase in heart-related conditions, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The following are the risk factors associated with diagnosing metabolic syndrome -
- Excessive Waist Circumference: A waist measurement of over 102 cm in men and 88 cm in women.
- Elevated Blood Pressure: A reading of 130/85 mm Hg or higher or being on medication for hypertension.
- High Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Fasting blood glucose levels of 5.6 mmol/L or higher or being on medication for elevated blood glucose.
- High Triglyceride Levels: Blood triglyceride levels of 1.7 mmol/L or higher or being on medication for high triglycerides.
- Low HDL Cholesterol Levels: HDL cholesterol levels below 1.0 mmol/L for men and below 1.3 mmol/L for women, or being on medication for low HDL cholesterol.
What Are the Signs and Risk Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome?
Detecting the early warning signs of metabolic syndrome can help prevent several complications. The following are the warning signs to watch for -
- Abdominal Obesity – Being overweight, particularly around the abdomen, can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. Visceral fat is a dangerous type of fat that surrounds the vital organs and contributes to their inflammation.
- High Blood Pressure – High blood pressure is a silent condition contributing to metabolic syndrome. Regular check-ups and monitoring blood pressure can help to detect the warning signs. Especially in the case of family history.
- Increased Blood Sugar Level – Look for signs like frequent thirst, increased urination, fatigue, and vision problems, and get your blood sugar level checked.
- High Triglyceride Level – High triglyceride levels can lead to fatty liver disease and pancreatitis. High levels of triglyceride may remain unnoticeable but can lead to cause metabolic syndrome.
- Low HDL Cholesterol – Low HDL can increase the chance of heart problems.
Other Risk Factors
Several other factors can increase your risk of developing metabolic syndrome, including:
- Age: The risk of metabolic syndrome increases with age.
- Genetics: A family history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease can increase risk.
- Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and smoking can contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome.
- Insulin Resistance: This condition, in which the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin, is a significant risk factor for metabolic syndrome.
What Are the Treatment Options for Metabolic Syndrome?
If you have been diagnosed or are at risk of getting metabolic syndrome. Treatment options like lifestyle changes – diet, physical activity, maintaining weight, stress management, and quitting smoking medications for managing underlying conditions like blood pressure drugs, cholesterol-lowering medication, and anti-diabetic drugs.
Metabolic syndrome is a serious condition that needs attention and requires proper management. It is important to know the early signs and associated risk factors to detect the problem and start the treatment.
