Metabolic syndrome: meaning, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment

If you were wondering “what is metabolic syndrome?”, this blog is just for you. Metabolic Syndrome is a condition where three or more health conditions occur together. This condition might sound complicated, and to some extent, it is. However, it is more common than you think. It is crucial to understand this condition, given its complex nature.

We are dealing with multiple health conditions when it comes to metabolic syndrome. Each of these conditions can be a health risk by itself. Metabolic syndrome typically encompasses high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and excess belly fat or obesity. These are serious health conditions. When they come together, they significantly increase your risk for developing something more serious, like heart disease or stroke.

Understanding the condition is the first step to early intervention. This blog explores the definition of metabolic syndrome, metabolic syndrome causes and symptoms, and its prevention & treatment. Read on to learn how you can stay more in control of your health.

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome, also called insulin resistance syndrome, is a cluster of conditions that occur together. These conditions increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Conditions that cause heart disease, stroke, or type 2 diabetes include:

• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• High cholesterol 
• High fat content around the waist

Even having one of these conditions can increase the risk of a serious disease. However, when three or more of these diseases are present in your body, the risk becomes substantially higher. Consider, for instance, high blood pressure. On its own, it can become a significant risk of cardiac disease. Now, consider high blood pressure combined with high blood sugar; this combination can intensify the chance of developing cardiovascular disease.

Metabolic Syndrome is a serious condition. The underlying conditions that cause metabolic syndrome include obesity, insulin resistance, genetic factors, and increasing age. You can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease even if you have one or more of the above conditions. You can lose weight, eat right, and practice daily physical activity.

How common is metabolic syndrome?

It depends on the location, demographic, and diagnostic criteria. This condition may be more common in some countries than others. The prevalence of metabolic activities can increase with age. For instance, in India, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is about 20% to 25%. 

Criteria for metabolic syndrome

The criteria for metabolic syndrome determine the prevalence in a given region. Metabolic syndrome criteria include:

• Excess abdominal weight: If the waist circumference exceeds 40 inches in males and 35 inches in females.
• High blood sugar: Fasting blood sugar exceeding 100 mg/dL is cause for concern. 125 mg/dL is considered to be prediabetes, while anything more is considered Type 2 diabetes.
• High blood pressure: A systolic value of 130 mmHg or higher and a diastolic value of 85 mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure.
• Hypertriglyceridemia: This condition includes high levels of triglycerides. Triglyceride is a type of fat in your blood. High levels mean high bad cholesterol, leading to cardiac disease. 
• Low HDL cholesterol levels: HDL cholesterol is also called “good” cholesterol. Low levels of good cholesterol mean a buildup of bad cholesterol and plaque in your blood vessels.

What causes metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is an amalgamation of health conditions. So, there are several causes of this condition. Most studies suggest that insulin resistance might be the primary cause of metabolic syndrome.

Insulin resistance is a fairly common condition. Your body’s cells don’t respond to insulin, which leads to your body producing more insulin. The pancreas make more insulin to try to overcome your increasing blood glucose levels. This is called hyperinsulinemia.

If your body can’t produce enough insulin to effectively manage your blood sugar,  your blood sugar levels rise, leading to Type 2 diabetes and other problems. The delicate balance in your blood sugar has to be maintained, which is where insulin plays a crucial role. Insulin resistance can contribute to conditions like obesity, fatty liver disease, PCOS, and cardiovascular diseases.

These are the most noticeable causes for metabolic syndrome. Let’s look at them in detail:

• Obesity

 Obesity is the excessive accumulation of fat, which negatively impacts your health. Obesity can drastically increase your chances of developing cardiac disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and some forms of cancer. Obesity is not just about being overweight; it is a chronic condition that affects day-to-day life. While lifestyle habits play a significant role in developing obesity, it can also be caused by psychological or genetic factors.

•    Genetic Predisposition

Studies suggest that there is a significant heredity either for the syndrome or its conditions. There is about a 50% chance that metabolic syndrome could be passed on through genetics. There is no single genetic cause, but researchers have identified various gene variants and chromosomal regions linked to metabolic syndrome.

• Insulin Resistance

As discussed above, insulin resistance causes several health conditions, while also being a symptom of others. Insulin resistance is strongly linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes, both of which are precursors to metabolic syndrome.

• Unhealthy Diet & Physical Inactivity

Your muscles require a lot of glucose to function. Doing regular physical activity can help your body absorb and process insulin better. If you have a substantial lack of physical activity, you can increase your risk of developing metabolic syndrome, or any of its individual conditions. Similarly, an unhealthy diet could lead to excess weight gain and insulin resistance.

• Other Causes

Factors like age, sleep quality, stress, and substance use can also lead to metabolic syndrome. The older you get, the higher your risk of metabolic syndrome. Poor sleep can impact the way your body absorbs nutrients, potentially worsening your symptoms. Substances like tobacco and alcohol can negatively impact your body, leading to an increased risk of any of the metabolic syndrome conditions. Stress can trigger insulin resistance, too. 

Metabolic Syndrome Symptoms

Every health condition under metabolic syndrome may not show apparent signs. Symptoms like high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, etc., don’t show external signs right away. High blood sugar may cause the following symptoms:

• Acanthosis Nigricans: When the area on the natural folds of your skin darkens. For instance, this is most commonly noticed on necks, armpits, and the back. Acanthosis Nigricans is strongly linked to insulin-related conditions, particularly diabetes.
• You may have blurred vision if you have metabolic syndrome. It often results from a spike in blood sugar levels.
• Polydipsia: This condition refers to extreme thirst.
• Frequent Urination: The patient may also frequently urinate, especially at night.
• Fatigue and exhaustion are early common symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

Complications if Left Untreated

Metabolic syndrome opens the door for severe health conditions, ones that could be life-threatening if left untreated. Untreated metabolic syndrome can lead to an increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Patients can also develop conditions like fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, and certain cancers.

In metabolic syndrome, your arteries can experience a buildup of plaque. This condition increases the risk of blood clots. Patients develop high blood pressure and other heart conditions, significantly weakening their heart muscles.

In female patients, polycystic ovary syndrome is also a possible complication. Those with metabolic syndrome may also have PCOS. Metabolic syndrome can drastically complicate pregnancy, leading to complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.

Treatment and Management Strategies

 Since metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions, the treatment and management of this condition rely on addressing the specific conditions. Metabolic Syndrome treatment and management strategies include:

• Cholesterol Medications: Patients may be prescribed medications that lower “bad” cholesterol to a normal level.
• Blood Pressure Medications: Blood pressure medications target the regulation of blood pressure in your body. The aim is to balance out your blood pressure. These medications can be potent, equipped to attack high blood pressure.
• Diabetes Treatment: Diabetes is a significant part of metabolic syndrome. To address type 2 diabetes, doctors will specifically prescribe diabetes medications. These medications will regulate insulin flow and improve insulin absorption.
• Sleep Disorders Treatment: Sleep apnea is addressed head-on through CPAP therapy. It can help improve metabolic markers and overall health.

Apart from medications, lifestyle modifications are helpful in managing metabolic syndrome. You may be asked to go on a diet, focusing on balanced nutrient intake. You should cease smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Daily physical activity can also dramatically reduce the risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Prevention Tips

Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and going for regular health checkups. Eat a balanced diet that is nutrient-packed. Eat whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, low-fat dairy products, and more. Limit your consumption of processed foods, as they can worsen symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

Establish a daily physical activity routine. At least 150 minutes of moderately intensive physical activity a week can drastically improve your overall health. Walking is the easiest form of physical activity, especially if you are a beginner.

Try and lose weight. Maintaining your weight can help maintain your heart health. Talk to your healthcare provider to draw up a weight loss plan that best suits your needs. The aim is to keep yourself healthy through regular exercise and a balanced diet. 

Diagnosis and Screening

Typically, a physical exam and blood tests can show doctors if you are experiencing metabolic syndrome, or if you are at risk for developing it. Since blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol are significant factors in the condition, your doctors will also test them. Here is what to expect in the diagnosis process of metabolic syndrome:

• Lipid profile: Doctors will check your cholesterol levels, both good and bad, triglyceride levels.
• BMP: A Basic Metabolic Panel examines eight substances in your blood to understand your overall health.
• Fasting Glucose Test: Your doctor may order another blood test after fasting to check your fasting glucose levels.

You have to have at least three of the conditions that factor into metabolic syndrome for them to diagnose you with it. These blood tests are routine tests. Your risk of developing metabolic syndrome can be measured this way.

Can you reverse metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome can be reversed through meticulous care. Lifestyle changes can do a lot to improve your daily life and manage metabolic syndrome symptoms. Medications can help you deal with the symptoms from the inside. Consult a doctor to understand the right treatment and management strategy for you. 

When to seek a doctor

If you have metabolic syndrome, you can seek medical help throughout the term of your condition. Ongoing care can help to eliminate the risk of complications. Seek a doctor for the following reasons:

• Monitoring the condition 

Monitoring every single factor of metabolic syndrome may not be possible for every patient. You should seek a doctor who can help you regularly test your blood pressure, lipid profile, and keep track of all your healthcare appointments.

• Queries about treatment 

If you have any queries about your treatment plan, you should seek a doctor for metabolic syndrome. Your treatment plan will likely include medications. Your doctor will explain the dosage,effects and side effects of each medication. You can also seek help to improve your general lifestyle to aid in the recovery process.

Conclusion

Metabolic syndrome is a complex condition that can substantially affect your daily life. However, that does not mean it cannot be managed, so you can live a better life. Understanding metabolic syndrome can help you find a treatment plan and practice preventative measures early.