Preventing type 2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke is the primary goal of treating metabolic syndrome. To treat this condition effectively, physicians must address all of its individual components (e.g., obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance) using a technique called multiple risk factor intervention. Multiple risk factor intervention allows physicians to address each discrete factor, without aggravating one condition for the sake of improving another.

For most individuals, 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. Physicians generally suggest 30 minutes of daily aerobic activity (exercise that improves consumption of oxygen) such as walking, hiking and swimming. Individuals should get approval from their physician 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 people control stress.
  
  
• Frequent communication with a physician. The physician may routinely monitor several factors to ensure that lifestyle modifications are effective, such as:
  
  
• Weight
• Blood pressure
• Glucose (blood sugar)
• Cholesterol
• Ferritin (iron)

If exercise and dietary changes alone are unsuccessful in treating metabolic syndrome, physicians may prescribe the following medications:

• Weight-loss drugs. When prescribed as part of a healthy weight-loss plan that also involves exercise and proper nutrition, certain weight-loss medications can be effective in treating metabolic syndrome.
  
  
• Insulin sensitizers. Some patients may be prescribed certain medications, such as thiazolidinediones and biguanides, to help improve the metabolism of insulin, which is thought to play a significant role in the development of metabolic syndrome. These same antidiabetic agents are frequently prescribed to decrease insulin resistance in people with diabetes. 
  
  
• Antihypertensives (medications to lower blood pressure). Certain medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, diuretics) may be helpful in treating metabolic syndrome.
  
  
• Cholesterol medications. Patients may be prescribed medications such as fibrates, statins and niacin, which can improve cholesterol profiles and help control metabolic syndrome.
  
  
• Aspirin. Physicians may recommend aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attack, a condition that can be caused by metabolic syndrome.

For patients who have excess iron in their blood, treatment may include regular or occasional removal of blood (phlebotomy). The procedure is similar to that used when people donate to a blood bank.

The same factors used to treat metabolic syndrome can often prevent or delay the condition. At-risk individuals can reduce the likelihood of developing the condition by eating properly, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy body weight and taking medications as prescribed.

Those who smoke cigarettes should speak with their physician regarding developing a plan to quit smoking. Cigarette smoking can lead to insulin resistance, which is believed to be the primary contributor to this condition.

Data from the third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) indicate that modest consumption of alcohol might reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Patients are advised to consult their physician on how much alcohol, if any, it is safe for them to drink.

Additionally, experts recommend that parents promote physical activity and monitor their children’s eating habits to help prevent the onset of obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.