You already know that high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, and being overweight are problems by themselves. When you add them together, the risks are multiplied, and you have metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome increases your risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and overall mortality.
The Risks
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors including:
- Abdominal obesity
- High blood fat levels
- Low HDL cholesterol levels
- Insulin resistance (this is a KEY factor)
- High fasting blood sugar levels
- Blood that is likely to clot too easily
- Proinflammatory state (swelling in major organs)
The Numbers
- One in four adults in the U.S. has Metabolic Syndrome
- More than one in three Americans over 50 has it
- The rate is nearly half for those over 60
- Metabolic Syndrome puts you at about the same health risk as long-term smoking
Diagnosis and early treatment is important to manage the condition and prevent serious health outcomes like complications from diabetes. You can reduce and manage your symptoms.
If you have any of the risk factors listed, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
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