Metabolic syndrome

What sample is needed for the Metabolic syndrome?

• The best sample for metabolic syndrome diagnosis is serum after 8 to 12 hours of fasting.

How would you define metabolic syndrome?

1. This is also known as Syndrome X. Actually, this is insulin resistance syndrome. These individuals have various metabolic abnormalities and have more risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
2. These people have increased risk and show accelerated atherosclerosis.
3. Metabolic syndrome patients have at least 3 out of 5 conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes mellitus.
4. It can cause other complications as well.
5. Each condition is treatable with changes in lifestyle or medications.
6. Other names of metabolic syndrome are:
   1. Metabolic syndrome X.
   2. Insulin-resistant syndrome.
   3. Dysmetabolic syndromee.

What is the incidence of metabolic syndrome in the USA?

1. It is a pretty common problem in the USA.
2. In the USA, about 1 out of 3 Americans have metabolic syndrome.

What are the criteria for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome?

• Three or more of the following parameters, when positive, indicate metabolic syndrome:

1. Abdominal obesity. This is defined by having a waist circumference:
   1. In men = 40 inches (102 centimeters or cm) or more.
   2. In women = 35 inches (89 cm) or more.
   3. Waist circumference cutoff points can vary by race.
2. BMI >25.
3. Triglycerides >150 mg / dl.
4. HDL-cholesterol <40 mg /dl for men and < 50 mg/dl for women. (This is called good Cholesterol).
5. LDL- cholesterol >100 mg/dl (This is called bad cholesterol).
6. Fasting glucose >110 mg/dl.
   1. Some studies suggest a High blood sugar level, with a fasting blood glucose test result of 100 mg/dL or more.
   2. If it is, 100 to 125 mg/dL is a prediabetic group.
   3. If it is >125 mg, this group is called diabetes mellitus.
7. Hypertension when:
   1. Systolic blood pressure is 130 mm Hg or more.
   2. Diastolic blood pressure 85 mm Hg or more.

What is the presentation of the metabolic syndrome?

1. Symptoms due to metabolic syndrome are variable depending upon the presence of the disease.
2. High blood pressure, increased triglycerides, and high LDL do not show obvious symptoms.
3. Hyperglycemia may cause symptoms in some of the patients.
4. You may see acanthosis nigrans due to increased blood glucose levels.
   1. Increased thrust (Polydypsia).
   2. Polturia, especially at night.
   3. Blurred vision.
   4. Easy fatigability.

What is the mechanism of metabolic syndrome?

1. There are several factors contributing to metabolic syndrome.
2. Scientists mostly believe that insulin resistance is the main factor.
   1. It is believed that the muscles, fat, and liver do not respond to insulin, which they normally do.
   2. It may be due to pancreatic function, where insulin is needed to control blood glucose.
   3. The pancreas produces more insulin to do the job, which leads to hyperinsulinemia.
3. Hyperinsulinemia (insulin resistance) and increased blood glucose levels lead to:
   1. Obesity.
   2. Fatty liver.
   3. Cardiovascular diseases.
   4. Polycystic ovary syndrome.
4. Insulin resistance may also be seen in:
   1. Excess weight around the belly.
   2. In the case of less physical activity.
   3. Some of the medications are corticosteroids and antihypertensive medication.
   4. Genetic transmission from the parents.

What are the complications of metabolic syndrome?

1. There is an increased risk of:
2. Heart disease:
   1. High cholesterol and high blood pressure can cause atherosclerosis, narrow the arteries’ lumen, and may lead to a heart attack.
3. Stroke:
   1.  This may also be due to atherosclerosis.
4. Diabetes:
   1. It may develop If you don’t make lifestyle changes to control your insulin resistance, and your glucose levels will continue to increase. You may develop diabetes as a result of metabolic syndrome.

How will you diagnose the metabolic syndrome?

1. Physical examination. They will check your blood pressure and the circumference of the waist.
2. Lipid profile including triglycerides level.
3. Comprehensive metabolic panel.
4. Blood glucose level.
5. If these 3 tests out of 5 are positive, then you are diagnosed as a patient with metabolic syndrome.

How would you prevent the metabolic syndrome?

Try to follow the advice:

1. Aggressive lifestyle changes can delay or even prevent the development of severe health problems.
2. Commit to a healthy diet.
   1. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
   2. Try to take white meat or fish.
   3. Avoid red meat.
   4. Avoid processed or deep-fried foods.
   5. Don’t use table salt.
   6. Fish is rich in omega-3, which protects against vascular diseases. It should be eaten three times a week.
   7. Low carbohydrates, even those high in saturated fats, may improve the cholesterol profile.
3. Exercise: Make a habit of regular, moderately strenuous physical activity for at least 30 minutes.
4. Regular check-ups like :
   1. Blood pressure.
   2. Cholesterol.
   3. Check Blood sugar levels regularly.
   4. Make other lifestyle changes if the test values are going the wrong way.

How would you treat the metabolic syndrome?

1. Lose weight:
   1. If you lose 5% to 10% of your body weight, that can reduce the insulin levels needed by the body.
   2. By losing weight, blood pressure may also be controlled.
2. Exercise:
   1. Daily exercise of 30 minutes or more is recommended. This may even be brisk walking every day.
3. Stop smoking:
   1. Cigarette smoking leads to:
      1. Increases insulin resistance.
      2. Worsens the health consequences of metabolic syndrome.
4. Food Changes:
   1. Food changes in the food style also help to prevent metabolic syndrome like :
      1. Eat more fiber-rich foods.
      2. Your food should include whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
   2. Mechanism of food: These food items are packed with dietary fiber, which can lower your insulin levels.
5. Sleep:
   1. Try to get good sleep for at least 6 to 8 hours.
6. Smoking:
   1. Quit or avoid smoking.
7. Stress:
   1. Try to decrease the stress because stress increases the cortisol level in the body.
   2. Steroids increase blood glucose levels, lead to hypertension, and increase triglyceride levels.
   3. Yoga, breathing exercises, or physical exercise can manage stress.
8. Medications:
   1. For blood glucose, anti-cholesterol drugs, and sleep disturbance.

Questions and answers: