Metabolic syndrome is a group of health conditions that together increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Despite being common, metabolic syndrome is a deadly health risk that is often overlooked.

In this article, we’ll explore what metabolic syndrome is, what causes it, the symptoms, and the treatments available.

What is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a group of health conditions that increase the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. These health conditions include:.

High blood pressure (hypertension)
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
High levels of triglycerides in the blood
Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as “good” cholesterol
Excess body fat, particularly around the waist

Having just one of these conditions doesn’t mean you have metabolic syndrome. It’s when you have three or more of these health conditions that you’re diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.

What Causes Metabolic Syndrome?

The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is not known. However, several factors contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome, including:.

Insulin resistance: Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels, but some people’s bodies don’t respond to insulin as well as others do. This can lead to high blood sugar levels, which is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome.
Obesity: Excess body fat, particularly around the waist, is a major risk factor for metabolic syndrome.
Inactivity: People who don’t get enough physical activity are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome.
Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to developing metabolic syndrome.
Aging: As people age, their risk of developing metabolic syndrome increases.
Hormone imbalances: Hormones such as cortisol, thyroid hormone, and growth hormone can all affect insulin resistance and contribute to metabolic syndrome.

What are the Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome often doesn’t cause any symptoms, which is why it’s such a dangerous health risk. However, some people with metabolic syndrome may experience:.

Increased hunger and thirst
Increased urination
Tiredness and fatigue
Blurred vision
Difficulty concentrating and thinking clearly
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Slow-healing wounds or cuts
Erectile dysfunction in men

How is Metabolic Syndrome Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose metabolic syndrome by first measuring your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels. They will then measure your waist circumference to determine if you have excess body fat around the waist.

If you have three or more of the health conditions that make up metabolic syndrome, then you’ll be diagnosed with the condition.

What are the Health Risks of Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a deadly health risk. People with metabolic syndrome are twice as likely to develop heart disease and five times as likely to develop diabetes as people without the condition.

Metabolic syndrome also increases the risk of stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health conditions.

How is Metabolic Syndrome Treated?

Treating metabolic syndrome involves making lifestyle changes to improve your overall health. Some of the lifestyle changes include:.

Getting regular physical activity
Eating a healthy diet that’s low in saturated fat and high in vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and whole grains
Losing weight if you’re overweight or obese
Stopping smoking if you smoke
Taking medication to control your blood pressure or cholesterol if necessary

With lifestyle changes and medication if necessary, it’s possible to manage metabolic syndrome and decrease your risk of developing serious health conditions.

The Bottom Line

Metabolic syndrome is a deadly health risk that is often overlooked. People with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

However, with lifestyle changes and medication if necessary, it’s possible to manage metabolic syndrome and decrease your risk of developing serious health conditions. If you think you may have metabolic syndrome, speak to your doctor to undergo screening.