What is Metabolic Syndrome and Why Does it Matter?

Metabolic syndrome is a term used to describe a group of conditions that increase your risk of developing diabetes and heart diseases (such as stroke and heart attack). The conditions that act as risk factors include:

• High triglyceride level
• Low HDL (good) cholesterol level
• High blood pressure
• Increased blood sugar levels
• Excess body fat concentrated around your waist

As the name suggests, metabolic syndrome is associated with the body’s metabolism, which is the method by which food is broken down into smaller components (glucose) to be used by every cell in your body as fuel for normal functioning with the help of insulin (hormone). Metabolic syndrome is associated with insulin resistance, a condition where cells do not respond to the hormone. This results in:

• Accumulation of glucose in blood, leading to diabetes and damage to critical body systems
• Increased production of insulin, which increases cholesterol levels and interferes with your kidney function, which can contribute to high blood pressure

A sedentary lifestyle, obesity, genetics, old age, certain medications (anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-depressants) and certain conditions (polycystic ovarian syndrome) lead to the development of metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is associated with a characteristic apple-shaped body, where fat is concentrated around the waist. In contrast, a pear-shaped body, with a narrow waist and heavy hips, does not pose such a high risk to the condition. Apart from body shape, the condition may show symptoms characteristic of diabetes (increased thirst and urination, fatigue, and blurred vision) and early stages of high blood pressure (dizziness and dull headaches).

When you are diagnosed with any three of the five risk factors, a lifelong management with lifestyle changes and medication can prevent serious heart problems.