Syndrome X or the metabolic syndrome was first identified in the 1980s. A grouping of metabolic related issues were linked with heart disease and diabetes. A person has the metabolic syndrome if they have abdominal obesity (for European males a waist measurement of 37 inches / 94 cm and for European females a waist measurement of 31.5 inches / 80 cm) and two of the following four factors:
1. raised blood pressure
2. raised triglceride (a type of fat in the blood)
3. reduced HDL (good cholesterol)
4. raised fasting blood glucose (type 2 diabetes)
Genetics, poor diet, inactivity, smoking and excessive alcohol can contribute to the metabolic syndrome. It is believed the metabolic syndrome is widespread in the western world with many people (literally millions) unaware they have the condition. The high rates of type 2 diabetes which in turn lead to increased risk of heart attack and stroke are predicted to increase.
Insulin resistance has now been identified as the underlying condition of metabolic syndrome. See the recent blog on insulin resistance.
What is the likelihood you have the metabolic syndrome or are at risk of developing it?
If you have it or are at risk – do something to address the situation!
regards, Keith
