Coming home from the doctor’s office with a metabolic syndrome diagnosis is nothing to throw a party about, but there is a positive aspect to it. Metabolic syndrome is becoming more common in the United states with each passing year, and the frightening thing about it is that many times those that have metabolic syndrome aren’t aware that they have it. So a metabolic syndrome diagnosis can be a good thing as it allows you to begin doing something about it.

 

What is a Metabolic Disorder Syndrome?

 

Simply put, metabolic syndrome is a medical name for a group of risk factors that increase the risk for stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes.  Nobody is certain if there is a single cause or not, but obesity is the root cause of all the risk factors. Since many people are obese, it may not occur to them to seek a diagnosis. Metabolic syndrome risk factors that are cause for the most concern are extra weight around the middle parts of the body and insulin resistance. There are other risk factors like age, genetic predisposition, genetic factors, and lack of activity and exercise.

Getting a metabolic syndrome diagnosis will allow you to begin managing metabolic syndrome, and reduce the chances of complications, possibly extending your life.

 

How is a Metabolic Syndrome Diagnosis Determined?

 

The most widely accepted criteria to make a metabolic syndrome diagnosis are the presence of three or more of the following risk factors.

  • Central obesity as measured by waist circumference:
    • More than 40 inches for men
    •  More than 35 inches for women.
  • Fasting blood triglycerides levels of 150 mg/dL or more or you are taking medication for high triglycerides.
  • Low HDL cholesterol levels or you are taking medication for low HDL cholesterol. These low levels are defined as follows
    • Men — Less than 40 mg/dL
    • Women — Less than 50 mg/dL
  • Blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg or higher or you are taking medication for high blood pressure
  •  A fasting glucose level of 100 mg/dL or more you are taking medication for high blood glucose

 

How is a Metabolic Syndrome Treated?

 

Once you get a metabolic syndrome diagnosis, you can and must start treating it to decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes will be in order, and either dietary changes or medicines will be recommended to reduce your blood pressure, lower your LDL cholesterol, and lower you blood sugar levels since you are likely insulin resistant if not pre-diabetic. Some of the things you can do to treat metabolic syndrome include

  • Losing weight – this is probably the most important immediate goal.
  • Get at least 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 times a week.
  • Get your cholesterol lowered either by losing weight or changing your eating habits. Sometimes, medicine may be recommended.
  • Get your blood pressure down to normal levels by whatever means you can.
  • If you smoke – quit!

 

The sooner after a metabolic syndrome diagnosis you get started on these treatment goals, the better your long-term prognosis will be to avoid type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.