Browse Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Having just one of these conditions doesn’t mean you have metabolic syndrome, but it does contribute to your risk of serious disease. If more than one of these conditions occur in combination, your risk is even greater.

Causes of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome is closely linked to overweight or obesity and inactivity. It’s also linked to a condition called insulin resistance. Normally, your digestive system breaks down the foods you eat into sugar. Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas that helps sugar enter your cells to be used as fuel. In people with insulin resistance, cells don’t respond normally to insulin, and glucose can’t enter the cells as easily. As a result, your blood sugar levels rise even as your body churns out more and more insulin to try to lower your blood sugar.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome, including:

• Age: The risk of metabolic syndrome increases with age.
• Ethnicity: Certain ethnic backgrounds, such as Hispanic and Asian, have a higher risk.
• Obesity: Carrying too much weight, especially in the abdomen, increases risk.
• Diabetes: A family history of type 2 diabetes or a personal history of gestational diabetes increases risk.
• Other diseases: Conditions such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, or sleep apnea can increase risk.

Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome is often silent, meaning it doesn’t have obvious symptoms. However, if you have a large waist circumference and other risk factors, you may be at risk. Some symptoms to watch for include:

• Increased waist circumference: A waist measurement of 40 inches or more for men and 35 inches or more for women.
• High blood pressure: Blood pressure readings of 130/85 mmHg or higher.
• High blood sugar levels: Fasting blood sugar levels of 100 mg/dL or higher.
• Abnormal cholesterol levels: Low HDL cholesterol levels or high triglyceride levels.

Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

The primary goal of treatment for metabolic syndrome is to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Lifestyle changes are the first line of treatment. These include:

• Weight loss: Losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can significantly reduce insulin levels and blood pressure and decrease your risk of diabetes.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, can help reduce weight and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains can help manage weight and improve cholesterol levels.

In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage the individual components of metabolic syndrome. For example, medications to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels may be prescribed. One such medication is Entresto, which can be used to manage heart-related conditions associated with metabolic syndrome.

Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome

Preventing metabolic syndrome involves making healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some strategies:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent insulin resistance and other components of metabolic syndrome.
• Stay active: Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Eat a balanced diet: A diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium can help prevent high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Regular check-ups: Regular health screenings can help detect early signs of metabolic syndrome and allow for timely intervention.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for metabolic syndrome, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their health and reduce their risk of serious complications. Our pharmacy offers a range of medications to support the treatment of metabolic syndrome, helping you manage your condition effectively.