Metabolic Syndrome — The Highway to ‘Hell-th’ Problems
Have you ever been late to an important social commitment?
It’s alright if you have, we’ve all been there. Trying to frantically get ready, constantly glancing at your watch/clock, murmuring “I’m so late!”…it’s all part of the package. You then finally get in a taxi and plead with the driver to get you to your destination as fast as possible. Once you reach, you breathe a sigh of relief, repeatedly thank the driver, and then think of convincing excuses for your tardiness to convey to the host.
Well…beware of one fast driver that can get you to a grim destination — metabolic syndrome.
What’s metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of disorders that occur together and may drive you towards a future with type 2 diabetes and serious heart problems like stroke and ischemic heart disease. It’s also called Syndrome X, and rightfully so, as the letter ‘X’ denotes something you should be cautious about. It’s not a disease in itself, but rather a cluster of risk factors for detrimental health problems.
How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed?
You may be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if you have three or more of the following characteristics:
- Abdominal obesity, i.e., excess fat in around your stomach area (or abdomen)
- Raised blood pressure (or hypertension)
- High triglyceride levels (a form of fat) in your blood
- Low ‘good’ cholesterol levels (HDL cholesterol) in your blood
- High fasting glucose levels in your blood, which can be caused by insulin resistance (you can read more about insulin resistance here)
Having one of these characteristics is bad enough, so imagine the damage that three or more together can inflict. They can double your risk of heart disease, and make you five times more vulnerable to type 2 diabetes.
Are you at risk of metabolic syndrome?
You may be wondering if you’re already in the vehicle with this dangerous driver. The causes of metabolic syndrome are complex, and there’s a lot left to be understood. There may also be a genetic element to this disorder. These are some of the risk factors to look out for:
- Age — The older you are, the greater your risk is.
- Being overweight/obese — Higher body weight, especially around your waist, can make you more vulnerable to this disorder.
- Lack of physical activity — This makes you more vulnerable to becoming overweight/obese.
- History of diabetes — If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, or had diabetes during your pregnancy (gestational diabetes), you may be at greater risk.
- Other health conditions — You may be vulnerable if you have/had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, or polycystic ovary syndrome (in women).
How can you prevent or manage metabolic syndrome?
There are ways to avoid getting in a vehicle with this sinister driver. Even if you are already in the vehicle, i.e, you have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome or think you have one or more of the risk factors, all is not bleak. You can still take steps to slow down or stop the journey towards a future with type 2 diabetes or serious heart diseases:
- Make dietary changes that help you lose excess weight or maintain a healthy one. Load up on more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; cut down on red meat and sugar-dense foods; and quit binge-drinking alcoholic beverages.
- Increase your physical activity levels. Try to engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 times a week and avoid prolonged periods of sitting down. These will help you maintain a healthy weight.
Metabolic syndrome can fast-track you towards a destination with grave health concerns — a destination you would not be relieved to reach! You should do all you can to avoid or take control of this insidious driver. Remember, the only person who can keep YOU the healthiest is YOU!
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