A metabolic syndrome disorder is a combination of medical conditions which put you at risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. A metabolic syndrome disorder may also be referred to as metabolic syndrome, syndrome x, cardio-metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance syndrome, Reaven’s syndrome, and CHAOS (in Australia) according to Wikipedia.org. Some studies show that metabolic syndrome disorders affect an estimated 25% of the U.S. population alone.

There are five risk factors that doctors look at to determine whether you have a metabolic syndrome disorder. Those who have three or more of these risk factors are said to have a metabolic syndrome disorder. They are:

  1. A fasting blood sugar (glucose) level of 100 mg/dl or above
  2. A blood pressure level of 130/85 mm Hg or greater
  3. An “apple” shaped abdomen that measures more than 40” for men and 35” for women
  4. A triglyceride level above 150 mg/dl
  5. A good cholesterol (HDL) level of less than 40 mg/dl for men and less than 50 mg/dl for women

 

If you are found to have metabolic disorder syndrome, your doctor may prescribe medications that lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and possibly even some to help you to control your blood glucose levels.You can begin lowering these numbers, and therefore you risk of developing diabetes and/or heart disease in the future, by keeping an active lifestyle and following a healthy diet regiment (Diabetes.About.com, 2012).

 

Preventing Metabolic Syndrome

 

If you have excess weight around the middle and upper part of your body, you do not live an active lifestyle, and/or have family members who are overweight, obese, or have diabetes or heart problems, you are likely at risk of developing a metabolic syndrome disorder. This also puts you at risk of a number of other conditions such as:

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Diabetes
  • Heart attack
  • Kidney disease
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Peripheral artery disease
  • Stroke

 

If you have not been to see your doctor about these risk factors, you should do so as soon as possible. The earlier the syndrome is diagnosed, the more likely you will be able to prevent further damage to your body. If you are at risk and have been checked out, but do not seem to have the disorder, you are lucky and should begin to start taking preventative measures now. The National Institutes of Health recommend the following actions be taken in order to prevent metabolic syndrome from developing:

  • Eating a diet which is low in fat and centered around fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products
  • Eating fish, preferably oily fish, at least twice a week
  • Exercising at least 30 minutes a day
  • Keeping your body mass index (BMI) under 25
  • Managing your blood pressure and blood sugar levels well
  • Not smoking