Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, strokes and other health problems associated with fatty deposits in artery walls (atherosclerosis). Underlying causes of metabolic syndromes include overweight and obesity, insulin resistance, physical inactivity, genetic factors and ageing. If more of these conditions develop, the risk of complications such as type-2 diabetes grows even higher
When a person has 3 or more of these risk factors, they are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome:
- Blood sugar (glucose) is too high
- Low levels of HDL (“good”) in the blood
- Blood triglyceride levels are high
- An apple-shaped body has a large waist circumference
- Blood pressure is high
Despite metabolic syndromes being a serious disease, you can significantly reduce your risk by losing weight, exercising more, eating a heart-healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and monitoring your blood sugar, blood cholesterol and blood pressure along with your health care team.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/metabolic-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20351916
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/metabolic-syndrome/about-metabolic-syndrome