Understanding Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of health conditions. It increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the National Cholesterol Education Program estimate that more than 30 percent of people in the United States have metabolic syndrome.

Obesity, smoking, and family history of diabetes are key influencing factors. Insulin resistance also plays a role. This occurs when muscle and liver cells do not respond well to insulin. As a result, they cannot use glucose from the blood for energy.

Certain populations are at higher risk for developing metabolic syndrome. ,These include women who had diabetes during pregnancy, individuals with a family history of diabetes, and those who have had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, or sleep apne.

To a great extent, Metabolic syndrome is provoked by obesity. This is because obesity or weight gain causes an intra-abdominal fat accumulation characterized by a large waist circumference. In other words, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome rises dramatically as the rate of obesity increases. It increases the  risk of developing heart attack because it increases blood pressure, high blood sugar, and excess fat around the waist. The syndrome increases the risk of stroke by causing insulin resistance in the body. The pharmacology interventions of this syndrome include the use of LDL cholesterol-lowering agents such as statins. Also, bariatric surgery has proved effective for treating Metabolic syndrome. The syndrome can be prevented by eating healthy, exercise, and losing weight. Also, bariatric surgery has proved effective for treating Metabolic syndrome. The syndrome can be prevented by eating healthy, exercise, and losing weight. APA