Metabolic Syndrome Information

Metabolic Syndrome is a constellation of metabolic disorders that all result from the primary disorder of insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome is a common condition that goes by many names (dysmetabolic syndrome, syndrome X, insulin resistance syndrome, obesity syndrome, and Reaven's syndrome), but few outside the medical community have heard of it. People with the metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of coronary heart disease and other diseases related to plaque buildups in artery walls and type 2 diabetes. It affects a large number of people in a clustered fashion. According to a national health survey, more than one in five Americans has metabolic syndrome. Those patients who have metabolic syndrome and also smoke tend to have an even poorer prognosis. The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is not known. Most researchers believe it is caused by a combination of your genetic makeup and lifestyle choices-including the types of food you eat and your level of physical activity. Hispanics and Asians seem to be at greater risk for metabolic syndrome than other races are.

Metabolic syndrome is linked to insulin resistance, a problem with the body's metabolism. If you have metabolic syndrome, your body experiences a series of biochemical changes. A reduction in the symptoms of metabolic syndrome could result in decreased morbidity and health care costs and increased quality of life. The dominant underlying risk factors for this syndrome appear to be abdominal obesity and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a generalized metabolic disorder, in which the body can't use insulin efficiently. This condition is thought to run in families. The same families who have a history of type 2 diabetes are at risk for metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a serious condition that may lead to a number of life-threatening diseases. The main features of metabolic syndrome include insulin resistance, hypertension, cholesterol abnormalities, and an increased risk for clotting. Treatment for metabolic syndrome will start with lifestyle changes such as aiming to lose weight by reducing saturated fat intake and increasing physical activity. However, drug treatment may occasionally be necessary.

Causes of Metabolic syndrome

The common causes and risk factor's of Metabolic syndrome include the following:

• The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is not known.
• An unhealthy lifestyle that includes eating too many high-calorie foods, being inactive, and gaining weight, particularly around your stomach.
• A family history of type 2 diabetes.
• Obesity.
• Smoking cigarettes increases insulin resistance and worsens the health consequences of metabolic syndrome.
• A decreased ability to process glucose ( insulin resistance ).

Symptoms of Metabolic syndrome

Some sign and symptoms related to Metabolic syndrome are as follows:

• Obesity is the most common symptom.
• Hypertension.
• Elevated blood pressure.
• Anxiety, depression or mood swings.
• Pelvic pain.
• Abnormalities of blood clotting.
• High triglyceride levels.
• Blurred vision and dizziness.
• Dark brown skin patches on the neck, arms or breasts.

Treatment of Metabolic syndrome

Here is list of the methods for treating Metabolic syndrome:

• Lifestyle modification is the preferred treatment of metabolic syndrome.
• Eat foods defined as complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain bread (instead of white), brown rice (instead of white), and sugars that are unrefined (instead of refined; for example cookies, crackers).
• Drugs to control cholesterol levels, lipids, and high blood pressure may be considered.
• Doctors recommend getting 30 to 60 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, every day.
• Cosmetic surgery to remove fat.