Symptoms of metabolic syndrome

Most of the conditions associated with metabolic syndrome have no obvious signs or symptoms. One visible sign is a large waist circumference. And if your blood sugar is too high, you may notice the signs and symptoms of diabetes – such as increased thirst and urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.

Metabolic syndrome is sometimes defined as the presence of three or more of the following traits, including traits for which you may be taking medication to control:

• Large waist — A waistline that measures at least 89 centimeters for women and 102 centimeters for men
• High triglyceride level — 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 1.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L), or higher of this type of fat found in blood
• Reduced “good” or HDL cholesterol — Less than 40 mg/dL (1.04 mmol/L) in men or less than 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) in women of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
• Increased blood pressure — 130/85 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher
• Elevated fasting blood sugar — 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) or higher

Schedule an appointment with an A7 Health Biokineticist for an assessment and treatment

Causes of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is closely associated with overweight or obesity and inactivity. Experts are not sure why metabolic syndrome develops. It is a collection of risk factors, not a single disease. So it probably has many causes. Some risk factors are:

• Insulin resistance – Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use glucose, a simple sugar from the food you eat, for energy. In people with insulin resistance, insulin does not work as well, so your body makes more and more of it to cope with rising glucose levels. This can eventually lead to diabetes. Insulin resistance is closely related to abdominal obesity.
• Obesity, especially abdominal obesity – Experts say that metabolic syndrome is becoming more common due to rising obesity rates. In addition, extra fat on the abdomen, as opposed to other areas of the body, seems to increase the risk.
• Unhealthy lifestyle – Eating a diet high in unhealthy processed foods and not getting enough physical activity can play a role.
• Hormonal imbalance – Hormones may play a role. For instance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects fertility, is related to hormonal imbalance and metabolic syndrome.
• Smoking.

Treatment for metabolic syndrome

If you have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome or any of its components, healthy lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay serious health problems such as a heart attack or stroke. A healthy lifestyle includes:

• Regular physical activity – Health experts recommend exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, such as brisk walking. But you do not have to do this activity all at once.
• Weight loss – Losing 7% of your body weight can reduce insulin resistance and blood pressure and decrease your risk of diabetes. In fact, any amount of weight loss is beneficial. It’s also important to maintain your weight loss.
• Healthy diet – Healthy-eating plans that emphasize eating vegetables, fruits, high-fiber whole grains and lean protein and recommend limiting sugar-sweetened beverages, alcohol, salt, sugar and fat, especially saturated fat and trans fat is recommended.
• Stopping smoking – Giving up cigarettes greatly improves your overall health. Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting.
• Reducing or managing stress – Physical activity, physiotherapy, meditation, yoga and other programs can help you handle stress and improve your emotional and physical health.

If aggressive lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise are not enough, your doctor may suggest medications to control your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.