Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is actually the name for a group of risk factors that are linked to being overweight and obese. These risk factors also increase your chances of developing heart disease and diabetes.
“The metabolic syndrome is a syndrome that's variably described in different ethnic groups,” says Dr. Richard Bebb, an endocrinologist active in the Men's Health Initiative of BC. “Generally, it has three or more parameters to make the diagnosis, and that includes an accumulation of central body fat, elevated blood sugars, - not necessarily into the range of diabetes - an increase in blood pressure,
low levels of good cholesterol or HDL cholesterol, and high levels of triglycerides.”
Having one of these conditions doesn't mean that you have metabolic syndrome, but if you do meet any of the criteria, you should consult your doctor for testing.
The treatment for metabolic syndrome includes:
*Eating a healthy diet
*Quitting smoking
*Losing weight
*Exercising
Put links to other metabolic syndrome articles here.
Metabolic Syndrome and Men
Metabolic syndrome is an extremely common disease: around one-quarter of Canadians have it. Metabolic syndrome is actually a term for a number of risk factors that increase your chances of developing heart disease and diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is sometimes called insulin resistance syndrome, Syndrome X, or dysmetabolic syndrome.
“Metabolic syndrome is one of the conditions that is associated with low testosterone in men,” says Dr. Richard Bebb, an endocrinologist active in the Men's Health Initiative of BC. “Whether a man is gaining weight, develops the metabolic syndrome or has type 2 diabetes, he is more likely to have low testosterone.”
Health professionals have defined five risk factors for metabolic syndrome:
* Excess body weight, especially around the middle.
*A higher than normal triglyceride level; triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood.
*A lower than normal HDL cholesterol level; HDL is sometimes called the "good" cholesterol.
*Higher than normal blood pressure.
*Higher than normal fasting blood sugar.
If a man or woman has three or more of these characteristics, he or she is considered to have metabolic syndrome. Fortunately, metabolic syndrome is a condition that can be managed very well through weight loss, eating a healthy diet and exercising. Effectively treating metabolic syndrome is key to lowering your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes in your lifetime.
Find healthcare providers near you.
