Metabolic syndrome is also called as syndrome X, dysmetabolic syndrome or insulin resistance syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a term used for a group of conditions that can increase the risk of chronic diseases. The chronic diseases caused due to metabolic syndrome are heart disease, diabetes and stroke. The group of conditions resulting in metabolic syndrome include:
- Hypertension or Increased blood pressure – Generally greater than 130/85.
- High blood glucose levels or Insulin resistance – range above 100mg/dl or above in fasting.
- Excess of fat accumulation around the waist in the body or abdominal obesity.
- High triglyceride levels in serum- Range above 150mg/dl
- Decreased levels of good cholesterol or HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) or Cholesterol abnormalities – When the range in men is 40mg/dl or lower and 50mg/dl or lower in women.
When all the above risk factors are seen in your body, you are at high risk of metabolic syndrome. Having one of the above risk factor does not increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and cannot be diagnosed as metabolic syndrome. A patient is said to have metabolic syndrome when all the above risk factors are present in your body.
Patients with metabolic syndrome are at high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance.
Causes of metabolic syndrome
There are different factors that can cause metabolic syndrome. The major risk factors include:
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Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal imbalance is seen generally in women that can result in metabolic syndrome. Hormonal imbalance is related to different diseases like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) along with metabolic syndrome. Hormonal imbalances cause different changes in the body that affects the complete body functions.
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Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance is a condition seen in patients suffering with type 2 diabetes. Insulin hormone is required by the body to utilize glucose. In patients suffering with insulin resistance, the insulin does not function properly and thus results in high glucose levels in the blood. Insulin resistance can also lead to weight gain.
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Obesity
Obese people are at high risk of developing metabolic syndrome. As the risk of obesity increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and other chronic diseases also increases. Extra accumulation of fat in the belly is one of the main factors that can result in metabolic syndrome.
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Unhealthy lifestyle
Unhealthy lifestyle has a direct impact on the overall body functions. Unhealthy diet that includes processed food or junk food can increase the risk of diseases. Unhealthy habits like smoking, alcohol addiction and less physical activities can also have a negative impact on your body.
Prevention
Metabolic syndrome can be prevented by following simple tips:
- Eat a healthy diet including fruits and vegetables along with whole grains. Eating a healthy diet boost your immune system.
- Regular physical activity will strengthen your body and reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels in your body.
- Go for regular physical examination or health check-ups that help in avoiding complications caused by different diseases.
Atefa Noorain
Connect with Atefa NoorainAtefa Noorain, (Microbiologist) former Head of the Department of Life Sciences, Assistant Professor of Microbiology at Sujatha Degree College for Women. She worked as an Associate Research Analyst at Thomson Reuters and an Associate Editor of two research journals. She has presented her research work in 3 International Conferences. She has written articles for national journals and international journals. She had been felicitated as a Young Speaker in the last conference. She has worked on Nanoparticles as a part of her research project and won the Best Scientist of the Day award.
