Metabolic Syndrome: Key Q & A

Reviewed By:
Nikheel Kolatkar, M.D.

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is the name given to a cluster of medical conditions that significantly increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, such as heart attack and stroke.

How common is metabolic syndrome?

An estimated 20 to 25 percent of American adults have metabolic syndrome, according to the American Heart Association, and like obesity and diabetes the condition is becoming more common. Even children have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. It tends to affect each sex in roughly equal numbers. However, your risk of developing the condition tends to be related to your age, race, weight, and medical history.

The American Heart Association has stated that Mexican Americans have the highest risk of metabolic syndrome (32 percent), followed by white Americans (23 percent), African Americans (22 percent) and "other" racial groups (20 percent).

What complications are associated with metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome drastically increases the risk of developing certain conditions, including:

• Type 2 diabetes. A chronic metabolic condition in which the body is unable to use insulin properly or does not produce enough of this glucose-regulating hormone.
  
  
• Cardiovascular disease. Disorder of the heart and blood vessels. In addition to raising the risk of heart conditions, metabolic syndrome can be a marker of undiagnosed atherosclerosis, even if you're young and otherwise healthy, according to recent research.
  
  
• Stroke. An event in which the flow of oxygen to the brain is suddenly interrupted.
  
  
• Fatty liver disease. A buildup of fat in the liver cells, which can lead to hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Because metabolic syndrome usually develops long before these diseases materialize, identifying and treating this syndrome in its early stages can often help delay or prevent their onset.

What causes metabolic syndrome?

The exact cause or causes of metabolic syndrome is not known. However, many researchers believe that insulin resistance, in addition to being a component, is a contributing factor. Other contributing factors are age, race, weight, whether you have a history of diabetes and the presence of some other diseases.

What are the symptoms of metabolic syndrome?

Definitions of metabolic syndrome vary depending on where you look. It is often described as the presence of at least three of the following conditions:

• Abdominal obesity
• High blood pressure
• Insufficient HDL "good" cholesterol
• Elevated triglycerides
• Elevated fasting glucose (prediabetes) or insulin resistance

How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis of metabolic syndrome can involve a blood pressure reading and assessment of obesity, such as a measurement of the waistline using a tape measure and measurement of body weight using a scale. Physicians may also perform a few simple blood tests to measure levels of:

• Glucose
• Insulin (a hormone that regulates glucose)
• Cholesterol and triglycerides
• Uric acid
• Fibrinogen
• A protein called PAI-1
• Iron (ferritin)

How is metabolic syndrome treated?

For most people, treating metabolic syndrome can be accomplished through:

• Weight loss. A modest loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) can make a difference in insulin resistance and high blood pressure.
  
  
• Proper nutrition. Experts recommend a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fiber-rich foods, such as beans, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Research indicates that fiber and possibly calcium and vitamin D can help prevent metabolic syndrome.
  
  
• Regular physical activity. Many doctors suggest 30 minutes of daily aerobic activity (exercise that improves consumption of oxygen) such as walking, hiking and swimming. Be sure to get approval from your doctor before starting an exercise program.
  
  
• Stress management. In addition to aerobic exercise, methods such as yoga, tai chi, relaxation exercises, deep breathing, visualization and biofeedback can help you to control stress.
  
  
• Frequent communication with a doctor. The doctor may routinely monitor certain criteria to ensure that your lifestyle is healthy, including weight, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and iron.