Metabolic Syndrome Or Syndrome X - Diabetes Related

Metabolic syndrome or syndrome X is often spoken about as part of diabetes. Many of the tests are the same and it is true that many of the symptoms of the condition need to be heeded to prevent type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has opposed the views of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Heart Association (AHA). Not that this is all bad, but the ADA is known to drag their feet on many issues when it comes to diabetes.

The WHO issued their guidelines back in 1998 and the AHA has done much to publicize the issue and set out guidelines similar to the WHO. The discussion is important and I will quote from some of the comments in the discussion.

“Metabolic syndrome is a set of risk factors that includes: abdominal obesity, a decreased ability to process glucose (increased blood glucose and/or insulin resistance), dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Patients who have this syndrome have been shown to be at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and/or type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is a common condition that goes by many names (dysmetabolic syndrome, syndrome X, insulin resistance syndrome, obesity syndrome, and Reaven’s syndrome).”

“The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) estimates that in the U.S. about 47 million adults (25%) have metabolic syndrome. It can affect anyone at any age, but it is most frequently seen in those who are significantly overweight - with most of their excess fat in the abdominal area - and inactive.”

For those interested, please read this for the table about how the three sets of criteria are laid out and compared. Also read this about additional details on metabolic syndrome and the tests, both laboratory and non-laboratory.

For most cases of metabolic syndrome, the root cause can be traced back to poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. Some may be linked to genetic factors that are being researched or yet unknown. Some cases may occur in people already diagnosed with hypertension and in people with poorly controlled diabetes. With metabolic syndrome, it is important to know that all factors are interrelated.