Metabolic Syndrome
August 5th, 2009
Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors related to being overweight or obese, increases the risk of developing heart disease and other health conditions such as stroke and diabetes.
A diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made when an individual has at least three of five risk factors: A large waistline (abdominal obesity), a higher than average blood triglyceride level, a lower than average level of HDL “good” cholesterol in the blood, high blood pressure, or higher than normal blood sugar (glucose).
The greater the number of risk factors an individual has, the greater the risk of developing stroke, heart disease or diabetes. Additional risk factors for heart disease which are not metabolic syndrome risk factors are smoking and high levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol.
Insulin resistance, a sedentary lifestyle, genetics, older age, and being overweight or obese are all closely associated with the development of metabolic syndrome. Nearly 25 percent, or 47 million adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome, which is linked to the increase in obesity rates.
Groups that are at increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome include: Women with a history of polycystic ovarian syndrome and individuals with a history of diabetes or who have a parent or sibling with diabetes. Some racial and ethnic groups are more at risk for metabolic syndrome. Mexican Americans have a high rate of metabolic syndrome (31.9 percent) and South Asians have an increased risk for developing the disorder.
A large waistline is a visible indicator of the syndrome as well as symptoms of high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, and blurred vision); however, the majority of the metabolic syndrome risk factors have no symptoms or signs. Nearly 85 percent of individuals who have type 2 diabetes have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is treated mainly with healthy lifestyle changes. Increasing physical activity, diet modification, smoking cessation, and weight management can aid in preventing and delaying the condition. Medications are also prescribed to treat individual risk factors such as high blood sugar, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, and high blood pressure. Treatment is primarily aimed at reducing the risk for heart disease and prevention of type 2 diabetes.
To maintain a healthy weight, your diet should include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fish and should limit intake of fats, oils, salt, and sweets. Physical activity five to seven days a week, with 30 minutes of moderate activity, can aid in weight maintenance.
For information about acupuncture and diet modification for the treatment of metabolic syndrome call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
One Response to “Metabolic Syndrome”
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