Metabolic Syndrome an epidemic for the 21st Century

In modern western societies people are often overweight. Moreover people who are overweight may also have other conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, (elevated blood fat levels).

On their own each one of these conditions can be detrimental to health, however, when they occur together they are much more likely to cause harm. The combination of conditions leads to a kind of inverse synergy where people are much more likely to be affected by heart disease, stroke and other serious health issues connected with problems of the blood vessels and circulation.

When someone has such a combination or cluster of symptoms, they are said to have Metabolic Syndrome also known as insulin resistance syndrome (because one of the features is a very high level of the hormone insulin in the blood, which the body doesn’t react to or is 'resistant' to). Sometimes it is referred to as Syndrome X.

In the western world Metabolic Syndrome is very common and unfortunately do to a combination of poor diet and sedentary lifestyles becoming more so. In the USA, surveys estimate that as many as one in four adults has metabolic syndrome and in the UK research suggests that a similar proportion of people are affected. It is more common in certain ethnic groups (Asian and Afro-Caribbean people) and among women who have polycystic ovary syndrome.

The Symptoms

• Increased blood triglyceride (a form of fat) levels

• Decreased ‘good’ cholesterol levels (HDL cholesterol)

• Excess weight particularly around the abdomen

• Increased blood pressure

• Increased blood glucose level

If a person has any three of the above features they can be said to have metabolic syndrome. Causes of the metabolic syndrome? Metabolic syndrome is very complex and doctors have yet to work out exactly what goes on in the body at the level of the cells and molecules. However, there seem to be three contributory factors two of which are implicated with modern lifestyles:

• an inherited genetic tendency

• being overweight

• A lacking in physical activity

It seems that some people are born with a genetic predisposition to develop insulin resistance. If they put on a lot of weight and don’t do enough exercise, they become insulin resistant and thus develop the metabolic syndrome.

What can be done to prevent it? Although much more research has to be done to work out the complex relationship between the different factors in metabolic syndrome, and how drug therapies might be used to help people, there are some steps people can take to reduce their own risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome.

While you cannot alter your genes you can make lifestyle changes which can make a big difference in preventing or delaying the development of serious disease. Losing weight and getting active are the top priority. Always make sure you get proper advice and support if you start an exercise regime. Research has shown that people who join a weight-loss group, for example, are more likely to lose weight and keep it off.

In terms of getting fit, join a gym or find a sport you enjoy. You're more likely to stick at it if you enjoy what you're doing. Simple lifestyle changes can help greatly –walk instead of driving – use the stairs instead of using the lift!

There are some preventative treatments available from your GP. It's important to keep your blood pressure under control, for example. However, some blood pressure treatments, such as diuretics and beta blockers, can actually make metabolic syndrome worse.

Check with your doctor if you are worried. There are drugs to control blood fat, cholesterol levels and blood glucose levels. Again seek advice from your doctor.

Conclusion

If you want to assess whether you are affected by the metabolic syndrome there are some straightforward tests that can be carried out. The simplest is measuring around your waist! Simple blood tests can measure your blood fat and cholesterol levels also your blood glucose levels (for diabetes). Also get your blood pressure checked. It is best to get these tests carried out by your doctor but a number of home use test kits are now readily available (e.g. http://www.checkmybody.co.uk in the UK).* If three of the five symptoms are present do something about it! Consult your doctor to work out a strategy of lifestyle changes; exercise, diet, drug therapies.

**Checkmybody a supplier of home health tests that may assist in determining if you have some of the symptoms of the metabolic syndrome.