Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance are lifestyle diseases. There are many things that can lead to these conditions including a poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity.
Insulin resistance (also known as type II diabetes or adult onset diabetes) occurs when the fat and muscle cells in the body become resistant to the insulin hormone. The insulin hormone is made by the pancreas and is used to help the cells absorb and metabolize blood glucose effectively. If the cells become resistant to the insulin hormone the body is unable to get the necessary nutrients.
Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when somebody has multiple lifestyle illnesses at the same time. According to the International Diabetes Association, the criteria for metabolic syndrome is having a BMI (Body Mass Index) greater than 30 in conjunction with two of the following conditions.
- Triglyceride levels higher than 150
- HDL levels lower than 50 for women and lower
